In the mid-19th century, excavations in Pompeii, Italy and Greece introduced ancient jewelry to the wider world. Fascinated, jewelers were inspired to make use of granulation, amphora shapes, matte high-karat gold, and ancient forms: this is Archaeological Revival. Here, amber-colored agates drip like honey and are held in caps with tiny gold beads applied. Until Etruscan ruins were exposed and their jewelry unearthed, this goldsmithing technique had been mostly forgotten. The owner could wear the simple hoops alone during the daytime and add the long, dramatic drops for evening events.
MATERIALS: 14k gold (tests), agate
AGE: c. 1870
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 1 3/4" length measured from the top of the ear wire, 5/8" tops, 1 1/4" pendants (including the bale)