Recently Sold (VE334)

After Eight - Vintage Sterling Silver Black Crystal Rhinestone Dangly Earrings. These lovely earrings are crafted from sterling silver ear wires (tested) and a silver metal. Featuring marquise and round cut black crystal, and vintage styling. The galleries on these earring are set with sparkling black crystals, which resemble a leaf motif. The earrings are for pierced ears and feature sterling silver shepherd hooks. The earrings have nice movement, and glisten in different light intensities. They vintage earrings are in the Victorian revival style, which would make a wonderful addition to any vintage jewelry collection. So elegant and exotic! 

Note: These earrings were changed at one point from clip-ons to ear wires for pierced ears. 

History : Centuries ago, quartz pebbles with a high lead content were found sparkling on the banks of Europe's Rhine River. These beautiful, natural stones were highly coveted and were eventually depleted, inspiring jewelers to create an imitation, aptly named the "rhinestone."

The story of silver mining began about 5,000 years ago. Silver was first mined around 3,000 BCE in Anatolia, now located in modern-day Turkey. The precious metal helped early civilizations in the Near East, Ancient Greece to flourish.

The term "sterling silver" probably originated in eastern Germany when five towns formed the Hanseatic League in the 1100s. These town minted their own coins of 92.5 percent silver. When Britain sold cattle and grain to the League, they were paid in "Easterling coins".

Measurements: Earrings 52.50 mm x 20.00 mm 

Stone Size: Crystal(Marquise) 7.00 mm x 5.00 mm  Crystal (Round) 3.00 mm 

Weight: 9.40 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1960