Drop earrings are very popular this spring, accessorizing the garments fashion designer royalty are sending down the runways. They were also a favorite accessory of the rich and royalty in the 17th and 18th centuries. Portraits of Isabella Clara Eugenia of Spain (one of these portraits can be viewed at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, VA) and Marie Antoinette of France show both these influential members of royalty wearing huge single drop earrings.
This style earring is usually suspended from either a pierced or clip-on earring post. The drop can consist of just one gemstone or charm. However, multiple gemstones, charms and other shapes can be suspended from the one main post. Drop earrings differ from chandelier earrings in that they are not hung in branches.
de la Renta Style
- Large Lucite open circle drops hung from a silver fishhook ear wire. These earrings are about three inches in diameter. The circular cutout in the middle is about two inches in diameter.
- Abstract five-sided flower shaped drops hung with gold beads and large acorn shaped pearls.
- Truly stunning gold earrings fabricated from one piece of metal, curling through the ear piercing hanging down from the ear lobe in a curlicue shape. These earrings are very African tribal in appearance.
Investing in a few pairs of drop earrings for spring will be a wise fashion purchase - Oscar de la Renta's Fall 2009 RTW show presented in February 2009, also used drop earrings as accessories.
Duplicate Oscar de la Renta Earring Style on a Budget
- Circle Within Circle Earrings - Sterling silver, these earrings are approximately 1 inch in diameter and are the image is shown on this page. Available from Novica through Amazon for $58 they are designed by jewelry artist Anna Lia.
- Swarovski Oval Hoops in Taupe - Gorgeous Lucite earrings by jewelry artist Alexis Bittar. 2.25 inches in length set with pink and clear crystals. Available from Maddi's Gallery for $198. Bittar is known as the king of Lucite jewelry, $198 is a great price for a pair of Bittar earrings.
- Swing of Energy - Available from Novica, these earrings are sterling silver, 1 inch wide and 3 inches long. These long drop earrings are designed by Achara, a jewelry artist living in Thailand. Each engraved disc is designed to swing independently from the others. Truly a great deal, these earrings are available for $30.
Royal Drop Earrings
Interested in purchasing a pair of drop earrings similar to the ones worn by Marie Antoinette and Isabella Clara Eugenia? A pair of very beautiful, pear-shaped pearl replica earrings is available online at the Louvre gift shop for €195.00.
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