Antique Paste Cluster Earrings

Unusual English Stuart period paste cluster ring with 8 rose cut pastes set in silver and backed in 18K with a gold bordered almandine garnet stone at center. Rings with paste stones in combination with real stones are unusual. The rose cut pastes on this ring are meticulously hand carved and the ring has significant hand gold work throughout. There is a painted black Florentine enamel design at the shoulders and the band is 18K. The goldsmith etched 3 flourishes into the gold band where the enamel painting ends on each side. The back of the ring is carved into a 6 leaved gold flower and raised about 3-4 mmm to give it depth. The ring back is as spectacular as the front. Such artistry could only be accomplished through the hand-work of an early goldsmith. The origin of paste is credited to 2 infamous Georges, the first being George Ravenscroft, an English glassmaker who in the 16th century invented a composition of leaded glass that resembled rock crystal. This composition of glass and lead and other mysterious ingredients were further developed and popularized by a Parisian jeweler, George Straus who is widely credited with popularizing paste jewelry...

This 14k gold Art Deco harem ring is made up of five 14k gold bands held together in a half-hoop that connects the bands and has "diamond", "ruby", and "sapphire" paste stones set in...

Georgian ring of green paste in a basket setting flanked by two clear pastes on each side. Paste is colored or clear glass, often lead or flint, cut in the same fashion as gemstones ...

Early Victorian polished silver paste eglomise ring (a decorative technique where gold or silver leaf is applied to the back of glass, then a design is engraved through the leaf, and...

Antique paste articulated earrings are set in sterling silver from the late 19th Century. The pastes on the cluster drop are set into crown settings and ...

These drop earrings portray diamonds as stars. VS1-VVS2 clarity round brilliant cut diamonds are coupled with 18k white gold for these earrings. Diamonds in the hooks lead toward the...

Clusters of rubies are surrounded by 6 cultured pearls in these festive 18 karat earrings. Omega backs. Signed with a name that looks like Zancan but with which I am not familiar.

Victorian pearl and diamond cluster earrings. A matching pair, set to centre with a round natural saltwater pearl in a hal...