19th Century Filigree Scallop Shell Earrings
A rather remarkable pair of scallop shell earrings made in Spain during the latter half of the nineteenth century, circa 1860. Crafted in silver, and with their remarkable filigree and cannetille metalwork, they're a prime example of European traditional or folk jewellery. Traditional jewellery from all across Europe share certain techniques and stylistic motifs: sheets or symbols made up of fantastically intricate wire filigree, in this case shaped into dished shells; the 3D cannetille "pearls" in the centre of each; applied granulation that adorns the tops. They could easily be Italian or Portuguese, but the scallop motif itself, here, points to Northern Spain and, more specifically, to Santiago de Compostela, the burial site of the Apostle Saint James and world-renowned destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Wearing the scallop shell emblem signalled to local people that the traveler was a pilgrim, helping them secure food and shelter along the way.
Why the scallop shell emblem? With a tradition that's over 1000 years old there are... more than a few suggestions: Legends connect Saint James with numerous miracles, including one involving the rescue of a knight whose armour was covered in sea shells; or that the converging lines of the shell signify the many roads from all across Europe that all lead to Santiago de Compostela; but some historians trace the symbolic origins of the shell even further back, to pre-Christian fertility and nature rituals linked to the western sunset over the Atlantic coast.
Era: 19th Century, circa 1860
Size: 3.9cm by 2.2cm (from tops of ear wires)
Marks: None, tested as silver
Condition: Great antique condition; light wear consistent with age.
Full appraisal document provided with each item.
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable).
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
Shipping
DHL Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Customs no longer charges a 10% tariff on antiques shipped from the UK. We will ensure that our parcels are correctly declared using the relevant HTS codes to qualify for the tariff exemption and zero-rated (0%) duties so you won't have any customs fees to pay at the border. You will remain liable for any handling/storage fees charged by DHL as a result of a delay in providing any additional customs information.
[Last updated: September 2026]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say :)
More Questions?
Get in touch... There's a live chat at the bottom right of the page.
info@lostowl.com