{"product_id":"19th-century-filigree-scallop-shell-earrings","title":"19th Century Filigree Scallop Shell Earrings","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 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 \u003cem\u003etraditional \u003c\/em\u003eor \u003cem\u003efolk jewellery\u003c\/em\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEra: 19th Century, circa 1860\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 3.9cm by 2.2cm (from tops of ear wires)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarks: None, tested as silver\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Great antique condition; light wear consistent with age.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lost Heirloom","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53137498767672,"sku":"LO3223","price":650.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/7387\/2952\/files\/19th-century-filigree-scallop-shell-earrings-4352532.jpg?v=1792177275","url":"https:\/\/lostowl.com\/products\/19th-century-filigree-scallop-shell-earrings","provider":"Lost Owl Jewelry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}