Antique Edwardian Paste Chandelier Earrings

Happy Birthday to these fabulous earrings that are 200 years old this year. Berlin Iron jewelry in excellent condition is rare, even in the museums of the world. The earrings are in three sections, the top two being frilly fine spirals of iron with a silver heart at top. The bottom section is a classical portrait , both male and female on a background of shining steel. The figures would have been recognized in 1820. These are made in Gleiwitz, Germany. By now I have written much about Berlin Iron, as I sell necklaces and bracelets as well. It was made because of the Napoleonic War when France and Germany fought hard and long. Both countries ran out of war funds. Germany was first to turn to their aristocrats for money. The wealthy citizens gave their gold jewelry to the German treasury in exchange for iron jewelry. The iron jewels...

Happy Birthday to these fabulous earrings that are 200 years old this year. Berlin Iron jewelry in excellent condition is rare, even in the museums of the world. The earrings are in ...

A magnificent example of history, these long beautifully granulated chandelier earrings are set with amethysts from early c. 1790 and were made in the United Kingdom. They are light on the ear and completely original other than the shepherd hooks which are easier to insert rather than the back to front hooks.. Antique earrings are dear and rare to find in original condition, as many have lost the top section. These earrings superb quality, decorated with tiny orbs of gold color ( granulation) applied on the long stem part. Father time knows how granulation adhered without glue or solder. The top and lowest section are engraved in repousse, the method of engraving where the gold sheet is pushed out into a design from the back creating volume and dimension. Floral designs cover the bottom inch of the earrings. The magical secret of Pinchbeck is that no expertise was spared in its creation, rather it took a master of alchemy and ingenuity to create the gold metal formula. Pinchbeck was that alchemist. He was a British Watchmaker. He concentrated on making the first fine gold metal that was not actually gold but became as valuable. He and his son were the only living to know the formula, a marvelous gold metal that never tarnishes, is a comfortable weight and is strong and durable. It became sought after by royalty and jewelry lovers throughout the world. Made only for a short period, it is valuable, desirable and precious. Later gold filled and gold plated jewelry do not match the beauty. Pinchbeck jewelry...

Rare natural pearl and garnet earrings c. 1840-1850 are light on the ear and in original perfect condition. This too is rare. Two chains on each earrings suspend one oval circle from another, each set with natural seed pearls and garnets...