Rare Queen Anne Opaline Paste Earrings

Rare Queen Anne Opaline Paste earrings.  18th century earrings set in sterling silver. The back to front ear wires have a period detail called 'wig hooks'. This clever design catches the back of the ear balancing the earring properly on the ear lobe.  In the 1700's there would have been large teardrop shaped drops that coordinated with these tops and the weight could be alleviated by tying  a ribbon to the wig hook and pinning it into the hair. English in origin. 

1.24" drop length