Earring thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Jewellery, Rooms 91, The William and Judith Bollinger Gallery

Earring

1959-60 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In the aftermath of the Second World War gemstones were prohibitively expensive and their trade rare. Gold jewellery therefore became fashionable and was in great demand.

To make the jewels more affordable the amount of precious metal was reduced by using wire, often corded in ornamental patterns. Pieces that appeared chunky were often hollow. The great jewellery houses of the time chose elaborate and playful designs.

As gemstones were scarce, they were applied to give just a hint of colour or as small-sized diamonds to create highlights.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Earring
  • Earring
Materials and techniques
Gold, with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires
Brief description
Gold, with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires, France, Paris, 1959-60; Boucheron
Credit line
The Bettine, Lady Abingdon Collection, bequeathed by Mrs T.R.P. Hole
Summary
In the aftermath of the Second World War gemstones were prohibitively expensive and their trade rare. Gold jewellery therefore became fashionable and was in great demand.

To make the jewels more affordable the amount of precious metal was reduced by using wire, often corded in ornamental patterns. Pieces that appeared chunky were often hollow. The great jewellery houses of the time chose elaborate and playful designs.

As gemstones were scarce, they were applied to give just a hint of colour or as small-sized diamonds to create highlights.
Associated objects
Collection
Accession number
M.118B-1987

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Record createdDecember 13, 2007
Record URL
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