The ability to use heat for shaping made tortoiseshell an ideal jewelry material in the 19th century. Plastic hadn't been developed yet, but tortoiseshell (from the Hawksbill and Loggerhead turtles) had been in use since ancient Rome. Adding precious metal by ironing it in or laying it on top created a cool contrast-y effect - this is called pique. These earrings feature a smattering of gold stars within a sunburst motif.
MATERIALS: silver ear wires, tortoiseshell, gold inlay
AGE: c. 1870
CONDITION: Very good - minor surface wear commensurate with age and use
SIZE: 1 1/4" length measured from the top of the ear wire, 5/8" width