Recently sold (VICE013)

Victorian circa 1900 10k filigree & pearl earrings. These gorgeous earrings are crafted from 10k gold, hallmarked 10k on the wire hooks. Featuring exquisite and delicate filigree work and genuine pearls. The earrings surmount features a medallion of filigree work with a expertly wired genuine pearl, there is another drop with a filigree bow which has a pearl dangling on each side, and yet another pear shaped drop with a pearl dangling in the centre of the filigree frame. These earrings are beautifully articulated with lots of movement. The back of these earrings have 10k gold wires with a hook catch on the back for additional security. The pearls are beautiful, substantial in size with an amazing lustre. These Victorian earrings are stunning when worn, truly a perfect gift or wonderful addition to any jewelry collection. 

Note: When the Spanish colonized Mexico in the first half of the 16th century much of the pre-Hispanic jewelry was collected and melted for the Spanish crown. Indigenous craftsman were taught new techniques while artist's guilds were established for the purposes of taxation and quality control. Given the strict standards to which both indigenous and itinerant jewelers were held, there was little room for individuality or artistic expression. That all changed when Mexico won independence from Spain in 1810. New techniques were popularized and the colonial baroque designs of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries were superseded by less formal, more intimate, whimsical designs. Nowhere was this artistic spontaneity more apparent than in the state of Oaxaca. The art of filigree, a technique introduced to Mexico by Spanish colonists, consists of curling and twisting pliable gold or silver threads and then uniting them with molten flux, borax and a blow-pipe. This art form, having quickly gained traction in Guerrero, Michoacan and Oaxaca, was also utilized for the manufacture of earrings. As artisans became more proficient, their creations were further embellished with fresh water pearls, seed pearls, coral, granulated work and sometimes semi-precious stones.

Measurements: Earrings 57mm x 20mm

Stone Size: Pearl 3mm-6mm 

Weight: 9.8 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Mexico, Oaxaca 

Date: Circa 1900