Faceted Crystal Earrings

DESCRIPTION

Based on an eighteenth- or nineteenth-century European necklace of milky white and deep purple glass stones in the Museum’s collection, our Faceted Crystal Earrings adapt the original’s dramatic design. The simplicity of the rivière design—where a single row of stones is linked together—places the emphasis on the richness and beauty of the stones themselves. Some stones in this piece are backed with colored foil and faceted to magnify their beauty. Our striking earrings are crafted of 24K gold overlay with radiant amethyst-colored Bavarian crystals.

24K gold overlay, lightly antiqued with foil-backed Bavarian hand-cut crystals. 3/4''L. Pierced, with gold-filled wires.

ART HISTORY

The technique of rivière—where a single row of stones is linked together—highlights the beauty of the stones themselves. In the Museum’s example, the large oval stones are linked together by means of a delicate chain. The stones are set within closed-back settings, some of which are lined with colored foil to magnify their appearance; these broad pools of color are faceted on the edges to further enhance their reflectivity and sparkle.