Vintage gilded silver set with freshwater pearls, for regional attire

Vintage gilded silver set with freshwater pearls, perfect for regional attire

This charming vintage jewelry set, crafted in gilded silver and adorned with delicate freshwater pearls, is a beautiful fusion of artisanal tradition and ornamental elegance, inspired by regional styles. The five-piece ensemble was designed with notable attention to detail, emulating floral and botanical motifs often found in ethnic jewelry from Southern Europe, likely intended to accompany traditional dress or folkloric celebrations.

The set includes a pair of spectacular long clip-on earrings composed of two articulated sections, finished with dangling clusters of pearls. Measuring 73 x 23 mm, they make a statement, enhancing the face with their warm glow and symmetrical design. The earrings are meticulously crafted in thick gilded silver filigree, evoking antique techniques. Each piece skillfully blends openwork metal with grouped round pearls for perfect balance between decoration and lightness.

The ring features an open, adjustable band and a delicate floral rosette with nine pearls nestled among textured leaves. Slightly domed for volume yet comfortable to wear, the ring’s inner diameter is 21.2 mm, making it adaptable to various finger sizes. Its open design ensures versatility for any wearer.

The round brooch stands out as a centerpiece, measuring 4.5 cm in diameter. Its floral motif with layered leaves is topped with raised pearls and three gently swinging drops. This vibrant piece offers movement and dimension, attracting attention with every glance. It closes with a traditional pin clasp.

The elongated brooch, measuring 6.5 x 2 cm, features an openwork, rhombus-shaped design with symmetrically arranged pearls reminiscent of a constellation. It’s perfect for wearing on the chest, a traditional shawl, or even to adorn a braid or bun.

Overall, all pieces are in excellent vintage condition, with the gilding well-preserved and pearls firmly set. Only a faint patina is visible, which enhances their charm without diminishing their beauty. Ideal for collectors of ethnic jewelry or those seeking an original accessory for regional attire, this set beautifully blends history, design, and wearability with timeless appeal. An eye-catching ensemble that’s also perfect for stage use, cultural festivities, or as a unique decorative investment.

This set would make a striking addition to a collection of folkloric or ethnic-style jewelry, or serve as a focal point for traditional looks.

Measurements: earrings 73 x 23 mm (2.87 x 0.90 in), round brooch 4.5 cm (1.77 in), elongated brooch 6.5 x 2 cm (2.56 x 0.79 in), ring inner diameter 21.2 mm. Weight: 71 g.

History of Gilded Silver Regional Jewelry

Gilded silver jewelry with regional inspiration has long been a staple in Mediterranean cultures, from Southern Italy to the Iberian Peninsula. Starting in the 19th century, many communities began crafting jewelry specifically designed to complement their traditional clothing, especially for festive or ceremonial occasions. In Spain and Portugal, for example, filigree necklaces, brooches, and long pearl earrings became essential elements of traditional dress, worn by both young women and matriarchs.

During the 20th century, particularly between the 1970s and 1990s, there was a revival of these styles due to renewed interest in cultural heritage and ancestral identity. Craftspeople and small workshops reinterpreted antique models using more accessible materials such as gilded silver and cultured pearls, creating stunning decorative pieces at affordable prices. These reinterpretations were not limited to traditional festivals but also gained popularity in fashion, theater, and folk dance.

Gilded silver filigree is a technique that requires considerable skill. Fine metal threads are shaped into complex patterns, often inspired by plant life. The addition of pearls provides an organic contrast, softening the metal’s gleam. Freshwater pearls became increasingly popular in regional jewelry during the late 20th century for their beauty and affordability.

Today, these pieces represent more than mere adornment, they are tangible fragments of cultural history, identity, and craftsmanship. Owning such a piece is like holding a small part of a community’s collective memory, thoughtfully reinterpreted for the present.