Long, flowing drop earrings inspired by a beautiful, granulated gold Alabastron held by the British Museum. Rich, bright orange mandarin garnet cabochons are set lantern-like at the base of these elegant, flared cones, surrounded by rows of granulation in gold and polished platinum. Hot pink spinel nestled between columns of graduated granulation sweep the gaze upwards to the French wires, making these earrings seem to almost invisibly drop from the ear. These are statement earrings. Wear with a beautiful silk blouse, a baby-soft fine cashmere sweater, occasion dress or gown. One-of-a-kind.
An alabastron is a small, typically pottery or glass vessel used to hold oil, especially massage or perfume oils. They originated around the 11th century B.C. in ancient Egypt as containers carved from alabaster (hence the name) and spread via Greece to other parts of the classical world. The version that inspired these earrings is a spectacular, elegant golden perfume phial with a long narrow body and pointed base, a broad lip at the top. It belonged to an aristocrat who lived in the 7th century B.C. in Etruria (modern day Tuscany and Lazio, Italy). It is made of gold and decorated all over with tiny gold granules laid in artful patterns, and is 15.2cm high and weighs 406g (approx. 6in high and 13oz.) Indeed it was an alabastra for a nobleman or woman.
This one is made from recycled 18 & 22k gold and platinum, mandarin garnet (8.82ct) and Burmese spinel (.88ct). 18k French ear wires. Length approximately 44 mm or 1.73 in.