18th Century Iberian Gold Emerald Lazo Drop Earrings

Circa 1780, these earrings are Spanish in origin.  Hand made in 18k gold and emeralds, most probably sourced in colonial mines in Columbia and Peru. Original ear wires in a Lazo design, the Spanish word for bow, they are a variation on the pendeloque drop. When worn in the Spanish court, they would have been accompanied by a large ribbon shaped bodice ornament. 

Measure 2.25" in length and 1" at widest point. 

The Iberian Peninsula produced outstanding jewels through the whole of the 18th century, but production came to an abrupt halt with Napoleon's invasion of Portugal in 1809.