Steel Pocket Watch Chain Earrings

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  Antique Cut Steel Button Earrings

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  Antique Cut Steel Button Earrings

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  Description

  These earrings feature antique cut steel buttons, c. 1900, and vintage chain links with sterling silver chainmaille accents.  

  Details and Materials

  • 2"” long
  • sterling silver jump rings and ear wires
    
  • antique button 
  • vintage watch chain link  

  Origin Story

  Cut steel jewelry gained popularity in France during the 18th century when King Louis demanded that citizens turn in their diamonds to help fund war efforts. This type of jewelry features tiny faceted and polished steel studs carved to mimic diamonds and individually riveted in place. Similar in appearance to marcasite, cut steels sparkle brilliantly when polished. Pieces can be dated by looking at the size of the cut steels, which were individually hand-riveted, and the number of facets. Older pieces feature smaller studs with as many as 15 facets. Cut steel jewelry fell out of fashion in the early 20th century when production quality declined and other trends emerged.

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  Vintage Owl and Chainmaille Earrings

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  Vintage Owl and Chainmaille Earrings

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  Description

  These earrings feature handwoven chainmaille and a vintage red glass owl charm with rhinestone eyes, c. 1950.    

  Details and Materials

  • 1 1/2” long
  • jewelers brass jump rings
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  Vintage Rhinestone Earrings

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  Vintage Rhinestone Earrings

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  Description

  These earrings feature vintage rhinestones, c. 1950, in three different color arrangements: rosy pink, chartreuse and royal blue, and emerald green and amber.  Handmade chainmaille knots top each stone. 

  Details and Materials

  • 2 3/4” long
  • jewelers brass jump rings
    
  • vintage glass rhinestones
    
  • vintage gold-plated ear wires

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  Vintage Crystal and Operculum Earrings

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  Vintage Crystal and Operculum Earrings

  $85.00

    

  Description

  These one-of-a-kind earrings feature operculum shells and rock crystal links, c. 1900 - 1920.    Because these unusual shells resemble eyes, they were thought to have protective qualities and were quite popular in jewelry created in the late 1800s to the 1930s.

  There are two options for these earrings: one with an 15 x 10 mm emerald cut rock crystal and the other with a smaller, 8 mm round faceted crystal stone.

  Details and Materials

  • 1 1/2 - 1 3/4” long
  • vintage rock crystal links
    
  • antique operculum and faux tortoise shell drops
  • 14K gold-filled ear wires 
    

  Origin Story

  In Latin, the word "operculum" means lid or cover, and these shells provided a protective cover for certain sea and land snails.   Operculum jewelry was popular during Victorian times and said to ward off evil and bring good luck. These pieces were often brought back by sailors for loved ones when traveling through the south seas and referred to as "Sailor's Valentines."

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