Pair of Earrings in Chinoiserie Style

Place of OriginEngland

Dateabout 1820

DimensionsL: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)

MediumSilver, gold, diamonds, pearlls and rubies

ClassificationJewelry

Credit LineMr. and Mrs. George M. Jones, Jr. Fund

Object number

2000.24A-B

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 34, Jewelry Gallery

Label TextThe appeal of long earrings was prompted by the dress and hairstyles of the English Regency period, when the Prince Regent, George IV, ruled (1811–1820). The exotic birds and pagoda-shaped elements of these earrings reflect the period’s romantic taste for the Far East, known as chinoiserie (sheen-WAH-zer-ee). Pierced earrings were a sign of maturity. The first pair of earrings was usually given to a young girl in England at age 16, when simple ‘top-and-drop’ pearl earrings were considered to be more appropriate for a young, unmarried girl. These stunning pagoda earrings, an entirely Western invention, would have been worn on formal occasions by a fashion-conscious, mature woman. When wearing diamond jewelry at this time, it was recommended that a lady should apply rouge to her face to highlight the sparkling jewels.