Mandarin Alabastra Drops

Long, flowing drop earrings were inspired by an exquisite gold Alabastron held by the British Museum. Glowing, bright orange mandarin garnet cabochons are set lantern-like at the base of elegant, flared cones, surrounded by rows of granulation in gold and polished platinum. Hot pink spinel nestle 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. 

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 to other parts of the classical world. The version that inspired these earrings is a spectacular, elegant 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) and is made of gold, decorated all over with tiny gold granules laid in artful patterns. It is quite a substantial alabastron, at 15.2cm high and weighing 406g (approx. 6in high and 13oz.) Indeed, it was an alabastra for a nobleman or woman.

One-of-a-kind.