Luxurious Paste Dangle Earrings
One can clearly see the 18th century influences in these antique yet ultra modern feeling glamorous earrings. The girandole or three drop shape has been reinterpreted. Exciting, these dangle a full 3-1/8 inches (8 cm) by more than 1 inch in width (2.7 cm). Encrusted with pastes, the entire surface is all refraction and light. Today the mastery of paste jewelry is certainly a lost art. While there has been transformation in style and materials throughout several centuries, this earrings represent some of the last fine moments of the zenith of the art form.
The earring begins with an oval consisting of various sizes of round cut pastes set into silver. Notice how the cut away portions and negative spaces define the earrings as much as the solid. From the top mount hangs a stylized bow form with curvaceous scrolls of pastes. Elongated pointed arrows make a final impact. From every angle fine metal work and shimmering pastes simply speak of grandeur. And unlike modern jewelry of this sort, there is an air of softness about the stones that give them a flair and richness. Movement is also a hey factor as well-- as with each piece articulated every turn of the head will set them forth in an eye catching arc. Dating to circa 1910-1920, they are in lovely condition with minute variations in the paste whiteness (as would be expected in earrings of this age, although all white and bright). One paste has been replaced but is comparable to the others. Later 15k ear wires have been added in more recent years.
