Jordie Georgian Paste Earrings

The History:

• These Georgian earrings dating back to the 1700s were converted from either ress or bracelet links to earrings at some point in their lifetime. Each earring design features two stacked old cut foil-backed paste stones set in a closed-back silver setting suspended from a solid 10k gold silver shepherd's hook wire. 

These earrings were originally made and sourced in England and measure 1" in height from the top of the shepherds hook to the bottom of the earring, and 0.25" at their widest point. Please note this pair of earrings show light wear consistent with age.

THE STORY OF PASTE STONES:

These Georgian stones first introduced in 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 the late 1860s. 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, then lined with a foil backing that reflected light and allowed the paste stones to be set in enclosed back settings without losing their sparkle. Paste accessories were the most sought after jewelry during the Georgian era of the 1700s.