SALE Eleanor of Aquitaine Emerald Medieval Style Chandelier Earrings 24KGV

Artisan Jewelry : Earrings : Emerald : Medieval Style

 

It is impossible to do justice to the amazing story of Eleanor of Aquitaine's life in a single paragraph (more about Eleanor below). I've crafted these Medieval reproduction earrings in her honor.

The gemstones are appropriate for the magnificent Eleanor: genuine emeralds, as highly prized during Medieval times as they are today. Only a Queen would have worn emeralds. The style of the chandelier is that of one of the most spectacular examples of Medieval art: the Rose Window of Gothic cathedrals. These are huge round panels of stained glass, with a galaxy of jewel-toned colors radiating out from the center. Eleanor of Aquitaine would have seen the first of these Rose windows in the Cathedral of St. Denis.

The chandeliers feature 4.5mm. faceted beads of genuine emeralds from Colombia, accented with granulated 24kt. vermeil beadwork. The emeralds are translucent, meaning that they are opaque but light will shine through them. They hang from a lovely pair of 24kt. vermeil French wires set with a Knight's Cross, to symbolize Eleanor's part in the Crusades (more about that below). They measure 2.25" long with the wires (an integral part of the design) and 1 & 3/8" without.

During the Middle Ages, gold was so expensive that it was reserved for royalty and the Church, and most Medieval noblewomen and wealthy ladies wore sterling vermeil. Vermeil was known as 'silver-gilt' to Medieval jewelers. Using it in my Medieval reproductions makes them even more authentic (although Eleanor's jewelry would of course have been pure gold.)

I will not be repeating this gorgeous and regal pair of earrings. Feel like the most celebrated woman of the Middle Ages wearing it. Medieval knights often wore this motto for their chosen ladies: "Vous et neul autre" (you and no other). Only you will wear this, my Lady--you and no other.

Eleanor of Aquitaine is considered to be the most remarkable woman the Middle Ages ever produced. She was Queen of both France and England, wife of Henry II, and mother of Richard the Lion-Hearted, and the wealthiest and most influential woman in Europe. She went on Crusade dressed as an Amazon and was reputed to be the lover of the great Saracen general Saladin (although this is unlikely). As the founder of the revolutionary Medieval tradition of "Courtly Love", she was the inspiration for countless romances. Unlike most Medieval noblewomen who remained at home to govern, she really did go on Crusade to Jerusalem when she was the Queen of France (much to the scandal of the Medieval Church. Eleanor scandalized everyone - and got away with it).

These earrings would sell in a good museum or historical jewelry catalog for about $200.

All metals used are sterling vermeil, and the emeralds are genuine.

NOTE: all my original designs and text are sole property of Strega2 Jewelry and protected under Title 17 of the U.S. copyright laws. Any copying, adaptation or infringement will result in legal action.

Item ID: n/a350

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