The Story: Paste is essentially leaded glass, and the black dot comes from the use of pitch to secure the stones to their closed back settings. Paste was easier to cut into intricate faceted stones that would sparkle in candlelight. These earrings likely began their lives as buttons in the Georgian era, and were converted to earrings long ago.
The Details: Silver closed back settings with gold wire hooks.
Length: 2.2cm from top of ear wire to bottom of stone Weight: 4.12 grams Condition: Good antique condition. A few dings to the back of the silver settings (likely remnants of button fastenings that were removed when the ear wires were attached), paste stones in good condition.
