What is paste jewellery?

Paste jewellery consists of handcrafted lead glass stones set in precious metals to replicate genuine diamonds and coloured gems. Craftsmen shaped these glass stones by hand to capture light in a manner similar to mined gemstones.

How do I date paste earrings?

Dating relies on identifying the metal combinations, stone cuts, and overall design styles present in the piece. Georgian and Victorian items often utilise closed settings and foiled stones, whilst Art Deco pieces display geometric silver work.

Were paste earrings meant for evening wear?

These glittering drop earrings were primarily designed for evening balls, dinners, and theatrical events where candlelight and gaslight enhanced their sparkle. The high refractive index of lead glass made them effective under dim indoor lighting conditions.

What does black dot paste mean?

Black dot paste refers to a tiny dark spot applied to the culet of certain Georgian stones to mimic the open culet found in natural old-cut diamonds. This technique adds historical authenticity and helps identify 18th-century and early 19th-century manufacture.