Martie Georgian Paste Stone Earrings

The History:

• These Georgian earrings dating back to the 1700s were converted from buttons to to earrings at some point in their lifetime. The earrings feature round foil-backed paste stones set in a closed-back silver setting suspended from a simple silver shepherd's hook wire. 
  

These earrings were originally made and sourced in England and measures 0.5" in height from the top of the shepherd's hook to the bottom of the earring, and 0.25" at its widest point. Please note this piece shows light wear consistent with age.

THE STORY OF PASTE STONES:

These Georgian stones hailing from the 1700s still maintain their special luster and sparkle--even more than 200 years after their creation. The Kimberly mines of South Africa weren't discovered until 1869-71--with diamonds not as accessible or commonly in circulation, jewelers resorted to making their own "Paste" stones as a more common and cost effect alternative to diamonds. These stones were handmade from a crystal compound and polished with metal powder until it shimmered like a gemstone. Paste accessories were the most sought after jewelry of the Georgian era of the 1700s.