These earrings are the impression of an antique wax letter seal. This seal was used to secure letters and correspondence in the nineteenth century.
This seal features the image of Doves drinking from a fountain. This image is known as Pliny's doves and is taken from the image of a mosaic from Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, which was re-discovered in 1737.
It was described by Pliny in 77AD as an example of the highest achievement in art.
It became a popular image found in souvenirs collected on the 'grand tours' of the 1700 and 1800's.
The earrings are made from sterling silver and this includes sterling ear posts and sterling silver butterfly backs.
The front of the earrings measure approx. 7 mm in diameter. This is approximate however as each earring is made individually by hand and can vary slightly.
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Wax Seal Jewelry......
Each piece offered for sale is an imprint or cast of an antique wax seal from my personal collection. I use 100% sterling silver as this has the strength and durability needed for a piece of jewelry that is to be worn for years. All the jumps rings, clasps etc, are also sterling silver and each part is soldered, also for strength and durability. My intention is to make a piece that could become an heirloom too and for it to last generations.
Each piece is individually handmade and therefore no two pieces will be exactly the same, they will however be extremely similar. The mark of the maker has been purposely left on the casts. The signs of age, cracks and tool marks all add to the charm of the piece and are an intentional feature.
For further information about antique seals, SWALK designs or the designer please visit:
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