Masquerade Earrings

A pair of porcelain and gem set masquerade earrings. 
The handprinted porcelain faces shown wearing masks are set with rose cut diamonds to the eyes and a ruby to the mouth. 
Masquerade jewellery and boxes were on trend throughout Europe in the 18th century following the popularity of masquerade balls at the time.
Surrounded by a halo of diamonds and rubies amongst green enamel foliage. 

18k gold, silver, ruby and diamond
English, circa 1770

Dimensions: 4.6 cm X 2.4 cm 

Provenance:

The private collection of Diana Scarisbrick 

Exhibited: Le Musée Chaumet, Le Grand Frisson -  Le bijou de sentiment de la Renaissance à nos jour, Diana Scarisbrick 2008, p.208

Reimagined as earrings, later sold by SJ Philips London.