Antique Georgian Iberian Earrings Ear Pendants Gold Amethyst 3.5in Long (5197)

Antique Georgian pendeloque earrings. Gold and amethysts. Iberian - Spanish or Portugese origin.

Measurements: earrings measure 3 1/2 inches long. Combined weight is 29.4 grams.

Exceptional pair Iberian earrings. Enormous, yet fine and detailed. A pair of earrings set with garnets, almost identical to these is shown on page 54 of Mascetti and Triossi's book on Earrings, with the following information: Catalan, early 19th century. The striking design is a development of the traditional pendeloque design with a cluster surmount, an elaborate floral spray centre and an elongated pear-shaped drop. The gold mount is further embelished with engraved patterns and tiny crimped borders. The amethysts are a wonderful deep purple, probably Siberian, although the backs are closed, typical of the period, which makes it impossible to know for certain. It is interesting to see how each section of these earrings fits into the one above it, by a golden hook (see picture of the back). A ribon could be threaded through this hook to help support the earrings' weight. Gold wires, threading back to front of the ear lobe clip into the backs of the surmount, forming a very simple, yet effective clasp.

Condition: good, with minor wear commensurate with age.