Late Victorian Paste Earrings
It’s been a long, weird week and I am feeling the need reaffirm my commitment to sparkle motion.
Perhaps I’ll wear these earrings today. They date from the late Victorian period They feature paste stones in a rose gold tulip mount that dangles from a leafy design. I got them at the last Waddington’s Jewellery Auction (there’s another one coming up Dec. 6).
Paste refers to glass that has been hand cut into gem-like forms. The colourless glass itself is especially shimmery because is contains a high amount of lead oxide. It also called Strass Glass after its inventor, Viennese goldsmith Joseph Strasser.
Between 1730-1865, paste jewellery was an especially popular alternative to diamonds. Because paste gemstones could be made in size or shape (no having to cit around flaws) jewelers could execute any design they could dream up. And even folks who could afford the real thing had copies made of their diadems and tiaras that they could wear in public without fear of losing their priceless originals.
How did the december auction go? Did you get any more fabulous jewelry to wear?
Why yes I did. I bought a few lots and have had great fun researching them. I trying to take pictures of some Victorian and Victorian Revival heart-shaped jewels for a special Valentine’s Day post.
I have these, well mine were once screw-backs, and I have been looking for 7yrs to find a match. Thank you so much sweet. Now if I can find a matching necklace for my wedding the I will soon be wed. 🙂