Georgian Sunshine Paste Earrings
Georgian earrings set with joyful sunshine-yellow paste gemstones. They date from the turn of the 19th century, circa 1800, the stone resting in dish-back settings over a layer of metal foil to enhance their colour and brightness. Likely converted from a larger piece - a riviere necklace or similar - with the addition of gold ear wires.
Paste is a particular type of flint glass that, through the addition of lead (and metal salts for colour), can be used to replicate virtually any gemstone.
The somewhat odd name, paste, comes from the way these gems are made: the leaded glass is crushed and ground down to a powder, mixed with the relevant colouring salts, then formed into a “wet” paste to ensure an even colour distribution through the stone. This paste is then placed into a mould and fired at high temperatures to create the final gem, which can be "faceted", domed like a cabochon or bead, or even an intaglio or cameo.
But there's a little more to paste than simply imitating natural jewels: some paste stones have properties unlike anything else around - natural, or otherwise... read our blog for the full story.
Era: Georgian, circa 1800
Size:
Stones: Paste Gemstones
Marks: None, tested as sterling silver (9ct gold ear wires)
Condition: Great antique condition, converted
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
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 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
A 25% deposit will be 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, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are 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.
More Questions?
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alex@lostowl.jewelry