By the 20th century, flies were universally understood to carry disease and be unwelcome inside homes. But in the 19th century, when these coral earrings were made, they had more sympathetic associations. They were often used as representations of human mortality and by extension, spiritual humility. More interestingly, flies were used to symbolize secrets or secret-keeping.
MATERIALS: 14k gold (tests), silver, garnet cabochon, rose cut diamonds, ruby cabochons, new 14k gold chain
AGE: c. 1880
CONDITION: Very good -likely converted from a stickpin into a pendant
SIZE: 7/8" length including the bale, 1/2" width, 18" chain