This style of seed pearl earrings, sometimes referred to as swag or garland (or even "M" earrings), is a wonderful little bit of cultural diffusion- this exact style exists in both Italian and Mexican jewelry traditions, specifically in Sicily and Oaxaca. This is due to the influence of centuries of Spanish control in both places, and the adoption of "colonial" styles as part of a new cultural identity. More modern iterations of this style are still being hand-crafted in Mexico, often in larger sizes, in silver. It is, unfortunately, impossible to ascertain if these earrings are Sicilian or Oaxacan, but regardless of origin, they are spectacular. Made of gold filigree, and adorned with a lavish helping of tiny, luminous, natural seed pearls, they sway and dangle and dance with every movement. They fasten with a back-to-front hook closure.
Earrings measure 2" from top of hook to bottom of pearl dangles. They test positive for both 10k and 14k gold, which is not unusual for regional jewelry of Southern Italy or Mexico of the 19th century. There is evidence of old repairs, indicating that these earrings were well loved and cared for. All of the natural (not cultured) seed pearls are intact.
