The color of these earrings, still vibrant for over 200 years, could only be the product of 18th century foiling. Emily resurrected the art of foiling, in part because of the extraordinary colors found in period examples, such as these foiled topazes. It is remarkable that the orange foil is still so intense after so long, as is the sparkle of the small, rose cut diamonds that decorate the settings.

This 3-drop earring, called a girandole because of its similarity to the shape of an 18th century chandelier, was all the rage throughout Europe. Emily loves these earrings’ branch-like silverwork and their pointed surmounts, both characteristics being very typical of the style of earrings being made and worn on and near the Iberian Peninsula. For this example, they were most likely created in Spain at the end of the 18th century. They retain their original back-to-front ear fittings, which Emily prefers to keep intact unless the next custodian would like them to be altered.

Spain, ca 1780