Each earring in this pair is composed of a tortoiseshell barbell-shaped top from which is suspended a ball drop. The earrings attach with gold ear wires. The ball has separated from the top on one earring in the pair.
earrings (jewelry)
tortoise shell
gold (metal)
Earring
1790
Unknown
5/8 x 3/4 (WxD) (inches)
Estate of Miss Frances Greely Stevenson
1922.529AB
For more information on tortoiseshell jewelry see Bury, Shirley, "Jewellery, 1789-1910," v. 1 (1991): 259-263; Dawes, Ginny Reddington & Corinne Davidov, "Victorian Jewelry: Unexplored Treasures," (1991): 132-138; Fales, Martha Gandy, "Jewelry in America, 1600-1900," (1995): 223-227; Gere, Charlotte, "American & European Jewelry, 1830-1914," (1975): 114-115.
Title Hair Earrings Accession Number 1922.528
Title Tortoiseshell Earrings Accession Number 1922.529
Title Gold Sleeve Links Accession Number 1922.535
Title Gold bar pins Accession Number 1922.536
Title Hair Bracelet Accession Number 1922.569
Title Broken Watch Accession Number 1922.598
Title 2 - Pair of Bracelets Accession Number 1922.615 1
Title c - Earrings and Brooch Accession Number 1922.616 a
Title Earring Accession Number 1922.617
Title Earring Accession Number 1922.618
Title Bracelet Accession Number 1922.621
Title Watch fob Accession Number 1922.620
Title Hair Pin Accession Number 1922.622
Title Earrings Accession Number 1922.625
Title Locket Accession Number 1922.640
Title Earrings Accession Number 1922.641
Title Cameo Brooch Accession Number 1922.642
Title Miniature pendant Accession Number 1922.654
Title Tortoiseshell Combs Accession Number 1922.673
Title Cuff Links Accession Number 1922.1034
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