Extraordinary pair of antique 22 carat gold, gemset and enamel earrings or ear ornaments, called Thuria. Originate in Upper Assam, India, and worn by the upper classes in previous centuries. Measure 1 1/4 inches long. Weigh 16.4grams. A widening tube-shape attached to a skirt in floral and foliate form. The lower area, nearest the skirt is decorated with beautiful blue and green enamel work, known as minakari / meena, which is becoming very rare and difficult to find in antique pieces of jewellery. Tiny golden patterns of leaves further refine the enamel work. The underside, which would be the most visible side of the ear ornament, is set with red stones in the form of a flower. Each stone surrounded by a wall of 22k gold. The stones test as genuine (not glass or synthetic), pink topaz or spinels. Above the enamel work the broadening cylinder is similarly set with pink stones enclosed in gold, in a geometric pattern. The opposite side has a star combination of enamel and gems. Here some of the enamel is missing, as shown in the ''photos. One leaf of the ''skirt'' has also lost half of it''s enamel, but the others are perfect. The colours and design are highly reminiscent of a peacock - deep green, blue, pink and gold. These amazing ornaments would be worn in the hugely distended holes in the lobes of women''s ears 100 years ago, or more. Besides the missing enamel, mentioned above, the earrings are in very good condition. Good antique Mughal / Indian jewellery combines the wonders of ages gone by with amazing design and delicacy executed by outstanding craftsmen and is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain as it grows in appreciation throughout the world. In her book on Indian earrings, page 60-61, Waltraud Ganguly explains that the design symbolises a lotus with a heavy stem and tells us that the Victoria and Albert Museum, London owns two pairs of thuria, dated before 1880. Status: For Sale Reference#: 3934 Condition: good Year: 1880 Title: ANTIQUE 22K GOLD ENAMEL GEM EARRING EAR ORNAMENTS MUGAL

Antique and Vintage Jewelry
Antique Mens Jewelry