Antique Cut-Steel & Paste Button Earrings, ca 1800
Our Notes
These earrings started their life as a part of a larger set of gentleman’s waistcoat buttons. When they were conceived, they would have been considered to be the height of fashion, employing the latest and most novel of materials. Cut steel, and paste are possibly the most unglamorous sounding descriptives for jeweled finery, but in actuality, together they glisten and shine!
Both materials came into popularity as the jewelry wearing population, who were attending nighttime parties all lit by candles, grew. Cut steel, small pieces of faceted steel that is riveted to a metal backing, has a tone and sparkle that could easily be mistaken for rose cut diamonds in a candlelit room– a truly ingenious feat! The cherry on top are the small colored paste stones, artfully arranged to provide the perfect color pop!
As was often the case with button earrings, buttons became earrings after waistcoat jewelry fell from style. Here, with their newly added gold earwires they are ready to continue living their best life while reminding us of high Georgian finery!
England, ca 1800
Measurements, Materials & Care
Care
As our jewelry is worn, patinas will evolve, further personalizing them to each collector. Due to the nature of foiled jewelry, care should be taken in order to keep Larkspur & Hawk jewelry from becoming harmed. A few tips:
- Remove jewelry when applying lotions, soaps and perfume
- Remove jewelry before immersing hands in cleaning solvents or liquids
- Please note that oxidation may eventually wear off of rings, then return naturally
Shipping & Returns
Larkspur & Hawk offers shoppers to receive and live with their new pieces. If for any reason you are less than thrilled with a purchase, it may be returned for a full refund, unless marked as final sale. To qualify, merchandise must be postmarked within 14 days of the customer’s receipt and be in the items’ original and unused condition. All returns must include the original receipt. Larkspur & Hawk is not responsible for items lost during shipping.
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Each piece is meticulously crafted by hand, bringing a historic practice to the modern day.
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