18th C. Bulgarian Gilt Silver Bride's Earrings Arpalii

Eastern Europe, Bulgaria, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. Wow! A pair of ornate 25% to 84% silver and 26% to 62% gold gilt earrings with wonderful granulation on both sides and braided rope wire work. The body is comprised of a raised boss with an open work rosette of granulated balls and rope wire patterns. Radiating out from the body are spokes with hollow spheres and granulated beaded tips. The verso is a flat disc with granulation. At the top are curved plaques attached to the ear loop, with more beautiful granulation and spirals. The hook ring and plaque articulate on a loop that connects to the body. These stunning earrings are an elaborate style known as arpalii or arpaliya, meaning "barley" because of the applied globe shapes, and are traditionally worn by Bulgarian women in the ears or attached to a head scarf. Size: 2.25" L x 1.5" W (5.7 cm x 3.8 cm); quality of gold: 26% to 62%; quality of silver: 25% to 67%; total weight of both: 30 grams.

For a stylistically similar piece, please see the British Museum accession number: Eu1971,01.268.a-b

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000

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Condition Report: Hoop articulates. One is missing a radiating sphere and center rosette is indented. Age commensurate surface wear and indentations to both. Could be made wearable by a professional jeweler.