Crystal Ballroom Pearl Drop Earrings

Description

In the 1720s the discovery of diamond mines in Brazil led to the increasing popularity of diamond-set jewelry in Portugal and throughout Europe. Various other gemstones were also imported from the colony, resulting in a fashion for sparkling colored stones set in silver. These earrings are adapted from an original 18th-century Portuguese silver parure comprised of small, delicately colored topaz stones set in floral and teardrop designs, as well as stylized X’s and O’s. Produced in cooperation with the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris.
Sterling silver, lightly antiqued, with crystals and cultured freshwater pearls. Length 5/8 in. Pierced, with 14 kt. gold posts.