Vintage Earrings 22K Gold Ear Pendants Openwork Bells Dangly India (6803)

Vintage earrings / ear pendants. At least 22k gold. Made about 1970 in Himachal Pradesh, India. See below. 

 

Measurements: Weight is 5.3 grams. Length is a little under 1 1/2 inches (30.5mm).

 

Description : Simple gold wires attached via a tiny golden globule to a coin-like disk with an engraved star with extentions at the bottom on either side of a link that connects to a swinging openwork bell or bird-cage with tiny loops suspending golden balls that shimmer and quiver as the wearer moves.

 

The wires descend down the back of the earrings and are hammered flat to a scrolling ribbon at the end. A gold loop goes through this, presumably allowing for further attachments to the earrings should the owner so desire. This arrangement cannot be seen from the front of the earrings. Please see 'photos.

 

We found this pair of earrings as we were exploring the bazar in the tiny Himalayan villages of Garli and Pragpur. The owner of the shop was at least 5th generation jeweller and told us that these earrings were made by his grandfather, who made jewelry like his father before him. No kind of technical device was known to these people who did not even know what a loupe is. They seemed to be shocked that anyone would want their old pieces. Sadly, we could not buy his entire stock because we were hiking without wads of cash and credit cards are entirely alien to these people.

 

As charming and wearable today as when they were made, these earrings are easy to insert and comfortable to wear.

 

Marks and Metal: No marks, but gold was acid tested as at least 22k. (I believe it is actually 23k).

 

Condition: Good. Never worn vintage condition. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.