The Revival Collection: Edwardian Lion Stud Conversion Earrings

The Revival Collection features redesigned one of a kind pieces using antique materials.

No. 364

These earrings have been converted from two matching gentlemen's stickpins dating to the early 1900s. The lion was a common feature of the period worn as symbols of strength, courage and protection.

I was very fortunate to discover these pieces in France. A family member recounted the history behind them. She told how her grandfather was a jeweller during WW1 and fearing German troops would confiscate his stock, he hid hundreds of pieces in a nearby cave until the war finished. Many of the pieces I found had rust marks from the damp of being in the cave.  

Despite surviving the war, they were never sold and still had their original price tags attached. The pins are crafted from brass metal with the original red glass stone accents. They have been professionally converted to stud earrings by a professional jewellery with sterling silver posts and butterfly backs. 

Condition:

The earrings are in excellent condition given their recent conversion by a professional jeweller. As they are made of brass, they do tarnish which only adds to their charm.

Care must be taken when cleaning these earrings as the glass stones are fragile and could fall out if handled in the wrong way. I would recommend gently polishing the earrings with a polishing cloth, making sure not to catch the prongs on the stone settings. You can clean the silver backs with a silver polishing cloth. Do not immerse the earrings in water or any other chemical. I would also put my earrings on last after spraying my hairspray / perfume etc. 

Measurements: 

Earrings measure 60mm length including french hook

Hallmarks: 

The new sterling butterfly backs are stamped 925.

Materials:

Brass, Glass, Silver