PAVÉ IS A French word for something very simple. It means the stones are “paved” onto a surface. Jewelers worked precious metal and stones much like bricklayers, setting tiny cabochons into small, pre-made cavities until the entire surface was covered. The technique creates an especially striking effect with a vivid stone like turquoise, where the eye reads color before form. In these late Victorian earrings, subtle, age-softened variations in the turquoise add depth and character.
MATERIALS: 10k gold (tests), sterling silver, turquoise cabochons
AGE: c. 1880
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 1 1/4" length measured from the top of the ear wire, 1/2" diameter of turquoise pavé spheres