Astounding is the word for these pyrite 18th-century girandole earrings. Why are they so special? It is a long list, so here goes.
First, they are still in all original condition, including the ear wires. More on this later. Next comes their age, dating to circa 1750.
Further, comes the use of pyrite and of the tiniest-sized individual studs we have ever seen in all our years.
And not only are they a girandole form with a bow and three drops, almost as wide as long. But they have hidden messages and meaning.
Amatory, or a token of love, see if you can make them out. For they decorate the surmount or tops, as well as the three drops.
At the top, there is a heart, and below these are two crossed arrows...yes, the arrows of love. The flaming torch of love, or perhaps a bouquet of flowers, is represented within each of the side dangles.
An upright torch of love is depicted in the largest middle drops.
The middle section's motifs include a stylized bow and floral theme for the tendrils and edges.
These references are more easily detected at a distance, but in all, they are an amazing remnant and creation of an age of lavish excess. Likely Spanish or Portuguese, they are characteristic of the mid-18th century with its grand show in clothing and jewelry.
Created in silver, the ear wires are in 9k yellow gold and hinged at the bottom, so they are back to front in configuration, original to the era. That means these are worn by placing the arch of the wire entering from the back of the ear and coming out of the rong, then seating into the fitting to hold them. Also present is the wig loop that prevents them from falling forward.
The drops can be removed, but given the great age of these earrings, we recommend leaving them suspended.
Historical note on pyrite. Often we are more familiar with the fine leaded glass or paste that was all the rage in the late 17th and 18th centuries. Even worn by Marie Antoinette herself. But along with those glittering beauties was jewelry encrusted with pyrite or marcasite. No mere substitute for diamonds, it was astronomically expensive (records to prove it) and, in candlelight, was a shimmering spectacle. You can imagine the hours upon hours it took to shape each stud by hand and set it. Each of these earrings has over 99 studs just in one top surmount!
