Victorian Revival - Vintage Sterling Silver Genuine Cultured Pearl & Marcasite Dangly Earrings (VE539)

Victorian Revival - Vintage Sterling Silver Genuine Cultured Pearl & Marcasite Dangly Earrings. These gorgeous earrings are crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked 925, and a makers mark HVP. The earrings feature two genuine cultured pearls, numerous genuine rose cut marcasite gemstones, vintage era styling (Victorian Revival), and quality craftsmanship. These earrings are for pierced ears, and feature posts and secure butterfly backs. The surmounts are tear-drop shaped, and hand-set with a sparkling marcasite gemstone. The gallery showcases an exquisite shape, lovely open-work, adorned by sparkling marcasite, and a beautiful lustrous white pearl, displaying a silver/pink overtone. They have the perfect aged patina, however they can be polished up if you prefer a brighter silver colour. However the patina does give the earrings an antique Victorian look. These earrings are delicate, yet solid, however not too heavy on the ear. These vintage beauties would make perfect bridal or special occasion earrings. Comments: These earrings are feminine and elegant, a great choice for any special occasion. History: Pearls were presented as gifts to Chinese royalty as early as 2300 BC, while in ancient Rome, pearl jewellery was considered the ultimate status symbol. ... According to legend, Cleopatra crushed a pearl into a glass of wine to prove to Marc Antony that she could give the most expensive dinner in history. Marcasite jewellery has been made since the time of the Ancient Greeks. It was particularly popular in the eighteenth century, the Victorian era and with Art Nouveau jewellery designers. Silver was first found in large amounts around 5000 BC, when prehistoric people dug the first copper mines. ... Large-scale silver mining had developed in Anatolia by 3000 BC. This was to meet the demand from the first ancient city states, which used the metal as a common medium of exchange. Measurements: Earrings 57.00 mm x 15.00 mm Stone Size: Pearl (cultured) 5.00 mm Marcasite 1.00 mm -2.00 mm Weight: 9.90 grams Condition: Excellent Origin: Canada Date: Circa 1980