Scintillating Sparkle in Georgian Black Dot Paste Earrings

All the workmanship and design of fine Georgian paste is apparent in these brilliant earrings. Paste was an art form in which stones, harder than glass, were hand cut, polished and set in the same manner as precious gemstones, The work was time intensive. Both silver and gold were used in the jewels. The receptacles for the stones were lined with foil and closed in the back of the stone. The foil attracted the light available and enhanced the sparkle of the stones. At night, by the light of the candles, paste jewelry sparkled with the brilliance of diamonds. These earrings retained that sparkle after 200 years. The paste is the finest quality, each stone showing a central black dot as if it was an old mine diamond. Jewelers working with paste could take risks that they could not attempt on gemstones. There were master paste makers who would not divulge the formula used to create their pastes. These were the paste makers for royalty. Our earrings are in excellent condition and are original, dating to c.1820. They are English in origin. Measurements : L. 1 1/4 in.
W.3/4 in