Antique Earrings 22k Gold Small Natural Pearls South India (6462)

Antique earrings. 22k yellow gold and small natural pearls. Made in Karnataka state, southern India. Exact age unknown, but anywhere between 70 and 100 years old.

Measurements: Weigh 4.9 grams. Approximately length 27mm (a little over 1 inch).

Description : A gold cylindrical rod connects the upper and lower parts of these earrings. The upper section is in the form of gold granulation, made in the shape of a temple tower. The bottoms are arched domes or bell-shaped, with minutely decorative detail near the join to the connecting rod. They are suspended with tiny natural pearls which hang from little gold loops, enabling each pearl to swing independantly as the wearer moves.

The upper and lower section can come apart. Originally, they were worn through the narrow fold of the upper ear. Since very few women could wear them that way today, we had posts attached to the back of the surmounts so that any modern woman can wear these wonderful earrings.

Marks: As is to be expected of antique earrings like this, there are no marks. We acid tested the gold to ensure metal purity (22k).

Condition: Good with minor wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

See Waltraud Ganguly's book on Indian earrings page 139.