Scintillating Topaz Portuguese Earrings
As one thumbs through "Five Centuries of Jewellery" from the National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon, it reads as the ultimate wish list of 18th century jewelry. On pages 94 - 95 and again on pages 88 - 89, one finds examples of workmanship nearly identical to that of these superb and scarce earrings. Foiled gemstones of topaz illuminate the exaggerated arcs of the hoops. Mellow and sultry champagne tones of the topaz work in harmony with the beaded edges of rose gold. The gems are set in silver, closed backed and foiled. The original ear wires are still intact; somehow having endured through the ages. Back to front wires retain their loops (which ensure that when worn the earrings don't slip forward).
Measuring 1-3/4 inches long by 1-3/16 inches from the back of the ear wire to the middle of the arched topaz front and ½ of an inch at the widest gem set band. (4.5 cm by 2.8 cm by 1.3 cm). In near mint condition; light wear, otherwise very fine. Scarce to rare. Circa 1760-1780.
