Recently Sold (EE206)

Lustrous Must Haves - Estate Sterling Silver Genuine Cultured Pearl & CZ Stud Earrings. These lovely earrings are crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked 925 for sterling.  Featuring two genuine cultured pearls, 2 round cut cubic zirconia gemstones, classic styling. and quality craftsmanship. The galleries on these earring are expertly claw-set with sparkling CZ clear gemstones, and beautiful white pearls. displaying slight pink overtones. The earrings are for pierced ears, and feature posts and secure butterfly back, which lock in place. These classic estate earrings are so versatile, therefore they can be worn with everything, and anything! 

History: The first cultured pearls date back to the 5th century BC where in China carved objects of ceramic, clay or shell (often in the shape of a Buddha) were inserted into a mussel. This still goes on today. As early as 500 BC the Chinese freshwater mussel was used for culturing Mabe Pearls.

In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in producing the world's first cultured pearl. This was a significant development in the jewelry industry and forever changed the pearl jewelry landscape. Read on to learn more about cultured pearls, Mikimoto himself, and the luxury brand he started.

Although cubic zirconia was discovered as a natural mineral in 1937, crystals usable for faceting were first produced in 1969 and it was not until a practical skull-melting technique was developed in the USSR in 1972 that commercial production became feasible.

Silver was discovered after gold and copper about 4000 bce, when it was used in jewelry and as a medium of exchange. The earliest known workings of significant size were those of the pre-Hittites of Cappadocia in eastern Anatolia.

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: Face of the Earrings 10.50 mm x 8.00 mm 

Stone Size: Pearl 7.80 mm     Cubic Zirconia 2.00 mm 

Weight: 2.50 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Canada        

Date: Circa 1990