Antique Iberian Emerald Earrings, Baroque, Georgian Lazo, Yellow Gold (ca. 1750–

A magnificent pair of antique emerald earrings in the traditional 18th-century Spanish “Lazo” and “Girandole” styles (Baroque/Georgian). Crafted on the Iberian Peninsula (Spain or Portugal) around 1750–1780. These museum-quality collector’s pieces were entirely handcrafted from high-purity yellow gold and feature delicate openwork filigree ornamentation.

The distinctive style of Lazo earrings (characterized by the distinctive, artistically curved knot motif at the center) emerged under the influence of French Baroque fashion at the Spanish royal court. Spanish goldsmiths developed this design by combining the knot with opulent, three-part hinged pendants. These extremely costly pieces were worn exclusively by women of the high aristocracy at official court galas and exclusive balls. The bow was then a symbol of courtly elegance, while the lavish setting of emeralds indisputably demonstrated the highest social status and extreme wealth.

The earrings feature the classic three-tiered structure: a round upper element is followed by the filigree bow motif (Lazo), from which the teardrop-shaped pendant hangs. The earring pendants are richly set with genuine emeralds in historic step and square cuts. All stones are set in their typical historic closed settings and are foil-backed. This technique was used in the 18th century to give the emeralds incredible clarity, luminous depth, and a vibrant mint green hue in the candlelight of the ballrooms of that era. The reverse side of the gold settings features historically significant hallmarks (master goldsmith / assay) that are exceptionally well-preserved.

In the late 19th or early 20th century, the earrings were professionally fitted with sturdy, functional screw clasps to ensure they could be worn safely every day. Important note regarding the material: The indicated 9-karat hallmark applies only to these screw mechanisms, which were added at a later date. The main historical body of the earrings is made of a significantly higher-karat gold alloy, typical of the period, and has been successfully acid-tested as 18-karat gold (750).

Details & Dimensions
• Period: Baroque / Georgian (ca. 1750–1780)
• Origin: Spain / Portugal (Iberian)
• Metal: Yellow gold (9-karat hallmarked clasps / Main setting acid-tested: 18-karat gold, 750)
• Stone: Genuine emeralds (baroque closed setting, foil-backed)
• Color: Light mint green / pastel green with a sea-green undertone
• Dimensions: 6.0 cm total length
• Total weight of the pair: 15.9 grams
Condition

Excellent antique condition with visible patina. Hallmarks are stamped on the back. The screw mechanisms function perfectly. Please consider the high-resolution photos an integral part of the condition description.
Note on Colors

Please note: Due to camera settings, lighting conditions during photography, and varying screen settings, the color rendering of the emeralds in the photos may differ slightly from the actual item.