Portuguese jewelry from the 1700s tends to be opulent. It made use of an influx of gold, silver and gemstones from Brazil, which was a Portuguese colony at the time. Here, an elaborate floral situation glows in white, green and opaline paste. These weren't always earrings; the pendants were once part of an even MORE over-the-top piece of jewelry. c. 1780
MATERIALS: silver, opaline, white & green paste, newer 14k gold ear wires
AGE: c. 1780
CONDITION: Very good - ear wires are newer additions
SIZE: 1 1/4" length measured from the top of the ear wire, 1" width