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 or laying it on top created a cool contrast-y effect - this is called piqué, and we love it.
MATERIALS: sterling silver ear wires, tortoiseshell inlaid with silver and gold
AGE: c. 1870
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 2 1/4" length measured from the top of the ear wire, 1" width