The ability to use heat for shaping made tortoiseshell an ideal jewelry material in the 19th century. Plastic hadn't been developed yet, but tortoiseshell (from the Hawksbill and Loggerhead turtles) had been in use since ancient Rome. Adding precious metal by ironing it in created a cool contrast-y effect - this is called piqué. Silver and gold stars, leaves, and a honeycomb pattern decorate both sides of these double-orb earrings.
MATERIALS: silver ear wires, tortoiseshell, silver & gold inlay
AGE: c. 1870
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 1 1/2" length measured from the top of the ear wire, 1/2" width, 5/8" depth