Dramatic and unmistakably Iberian. These garnet and gold pendeloque ear pendants were found in Barcelona, and are typical of the Catalan and neighboring region. These were popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries, and these date, conservatively, to the 19th century. Eighteen glowing, foiled garnets grace each earring. The segments are articulated, swaying with movement. They also detach, allowing the pendants to be worn at day (shorter) and night (longer) configurations. In a delightful detailed touch, the tips of the earrings are stylized acorns, symbols of fertility and the promise of greatness.

While statement-sized, this pair is wearable, weighing less than many other examples of this kind, at less than 18 grams for the pair. The closures are hinged front to back, as is typical for this kind of earring.

A similar pair of ear pendants, once owned by renowned opera singer Lucrezia Bori, was recently featured on Antiques Roadshow, aired on January 11, 2021, See https://allarts.org/programs/antiques-roadshow/antiques-roadshow-appraisal-18th-century-spanish-gold-garnet-earrings/.

Unmarked.

14k gold, garnet.

Dimensions and weight:

● 89 mm long (including wires)

● 22.5 mm wide

● 17.7 grams

Period: Victorian

Note that a tiny portion of the tip of one of the stylized “acorns” is deficient. Signs of antique repair to the reverse.

*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate and age-commensurate wear may be present.

*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.