Delicate forged teardrop shaped hoops are adorned with tiny rich garnet wrapped in gold wire. I love the contrast of metals and the elegant form of these earrings. Measure 1 7/8". Handmade shepherd hook earwires. 14k gold fill and sterling silver, which has been oxidized and hand polished for an antique finish.

About Garnet:  The name "garnet" may come from either the Middle English word gernet meaning 'dark red', or the Latin granatus (“grain“), possibly a reference to the pomegranate, a plant with red seeds similar in shape, size, and color to some garnet crystals.  The garnet has a long history of use in jewelry or in adorning garments.  There is evidence that the greeks were wearing garnets as signet rings beginning around 400 BC.  Garnets are mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the 12 stones of Aaron’s breastplate, as well as lighting the way for Noah’s Ark.  One of the most curious uses of garnets was during the early 1890's in India, during a rebellion in the Kashmir territory, when Hanza tribal soldiers used garnets as ammunition to fire upon British soldiers!  Native American healers believed the garnet had the power to protect the wearer from wounds and poisoning, prevent nightmares and cure depression.  Garnet is the birthstone for January.

About 14k gold fill: 14K gold filled wire is a professional jewelers grade wire.  Gold filled wire is not plated. It is a tube of solid 14K gold mechanically bonded to a brass or silver base. There is 100 times more gold in gold filled than in gold plate wire. This layer of gold must be a minimum of 1/20th of the total metal weight to be called gold filled. The color looks exactly like 14k gold.  It is tarnish-resistant, safe for sensitive skin and unlike gold plate, it will not wear off. It is a great way to enjoy affordable gold jewelry.

Your jewelry will arrive beautifully gift wrapped in a small box. Multiple items will be combined, unless separate boxes are requested. You will be able to complete this request during check out. If this is a gift being shipped directly to the recipient, you can use the gift box option during check out to include the gift message. If you do not use the gift option, there is no way for me to know these are gifts and your pieces will be wrapped together in one box.