Victorian Seed Pearl & Amethyst Paste Drop Earrings

 Sparkling purple pastes—cut to imitate amethyst—glow at the center of each drop, surrounded by halos of seed pearls and mother-of-pearl. In the 19th century, pearls signified purity and devotion, while purple stones were tied to loyalty and spiritual depth. The settings feature 14k gold ear wires with lightweight metal backing plates, a common construction of the period that allowed for larger statement earrings without excessive weight. Their scale? Fierce.  MATERIALS: 14k gold ear wires, base metal backing plates, mother of pearl, seed pearls, oval and round faceted amethyst pastes AGE: c. 1850 CONDITION: Very good SIZE: 1 5/8" length measured from the top of the ear wire, 7/8" at the widest point