Georgian Iberian 18K Gold Pendeloque Emerald Earrings

Circa 1780, these 18k gold earrings are a gorgeous example of the Iberian pendeloque design, classically seen as a cluster, bow, and drop configuration. The earrings contain 74 emeralds that make a striking contrast with the high karat gold. The top element contains a central emerald surrounded by a halo of smaller stones and adorned on top with a leafy lace-like pattern. Below it is a flowing, stone encrusted bow with delicate filigree. The bottom element is pear-shaped and features a truncated table cut emerald as its center; the triangular shape of the stone echos the pear-shape of the drop. A configuration of a leaf and flower foliate mirrors the lacy motif at the top of the earrings. The earrings are beautifully articulated, and their hinge work allows for movement and light play. They are completely hand-made and exhibit classic Iberian construction and articulation.

The earrings contain 74 natural antique emeralds. All are table cut, with the exception of the two emeralds in the bottom drops that are truncated table cuts. The stones range in size from 4.3 x 4.1 mm to 2 x 2 mm. The earrings acid test as 18k gold. They contain a maker’s mark, but the mark is undecipherable. The earrings measure 2.25” x 1.25”. Combined, the earrings weigh 11.7 grams. 

Sourced on a recent trip to Madrid, these Georgian earrings are a true treasure. They are very delicate and in excellent condition for a piece almost 250 years old. The only visible wear is that one of the tiny emeralds at the bottom of a cluster is inset, but still in place. 

The Iberian peninsula consists of modern day Spain, Portugal, and France, and was a powerful empire after the fall of the Roman Empire until Napoleon’s invasion in the early 19th century. Because the peninsula was home to a mixture of Jews, Muslims, and Catholics, the distinctive styles of each culture merged and influenced each other over time. Relics, crosses, and Morrish designs can all be found in Iberian jewelry, along with influences of a rich and diverse cross-cultural artistic tradition. Portugal and Spain were international powers during the Renaissance, which allowed them to acquire gemstones from across the world through trade and conquest. This, along with the Portuguese gold rush, impacted the amount of jewelry made in Iberia, and the ornate jewelry making traditions that were passed down to the Georgian and Victorian eras, and still seen in both antique and contemporary jewelry attributed to the Iberian peninsula. 

For pierced ears.