Dazzling Early Victorian Black Dot Paste Earrings

Incredible antique black dot paste earrings with elegant movement and brilliant sparkle. These long, articulated earrings have a gorgeous design; similar pieces may be seen in books documenting important jewelry of the Victorian era. The silver body of the earrings are covered with dazzling paste gems in closed back settings. The clear paste gems are chunky, with black dots painted to resemble the shaved culets seen in old mine cut diamonds. Three segments form each earring, two long clusters connected by a bow, creating the perfect movement for catching the light. The 14k gold ear wires are a modern replacement. Dazzling, and a wonderful addition to your antique jewelry collection. Circa 1850.

Paste gems are leaded glass gems formed in molds and then polished to resemble diamonds or gemstones. With better quality paste, facets could even be cut and polished like natural gems. Black dot paste is one hallmark of very fine quality paste. It is paste that has a black dot painted on the underside of the stone, thought to have mimicked the open culet of early diamond cuts, which often look black.

Details..... The earrings measure 3.2" long, the paste set dangle is 2.9" by 0.73". In Very Good Antique Condition. You should always expect some wear on vintage and antique jewels, we consider it part of the charm.

Item #E4095