Chandelier Earrings Have a Rich History
Ross-Simons collaborates with talented designers to develop the most distinctive and most desirable jewelry imaginable. Recently, we put together a collection of dramatic chandelier drops.
Popular as they are today, these earrings have a history that stretches back to ancient Greece. In fact, archaeologists there uncovered gold filigree chandeliers with enameled rosettes and tiny shell pendants that were determined to be from the fifth century B.C. Chandelier earrings from the third century B.C., again of gold filigree, were also discovered on the east coast of Turkey. Further examples of this style — with emeralds, sapphires and pearls added — were dated from A.D. 600. When it comes to a classic look, does it get any more authentic than that?
It's fascinating to see that these impressive designs endured through the ages. Apparently King George VI of England and his wife Queen Elizabeth were in agreement on royal style back in 1947. That's when they gave their daughter Princess Elizabeth, now Queen, diamond chandelier earrings as a wedding gift. And on the night her husband was elected president in 2008, Michelle Obama made her first appearance as our First Lady wearing amazing diamond-encrusted chandeliers of white gold.
Demand for these dynamic earrings shows no sign of slowing down. The great thing about the newest pieces is that they are on-target for black-tie events, but can also quite easily dress up your favorite pair of jeans. Though the large scale of these chandelier earrings and the drama of their shoulder-tracing lengths are right at home on the red carpet, the popularity of our very own selections proves that you don't have to live in Hollywood to look like a million dollars.
