MSI517

Antique Northern Vietnamese Silver Earring with Red Stone

Overview

An elegant single silver earring from northern Vietnam, dating to the early–mid 20th century. This finely crafted ornament was likely worn by an upper-class woman and reflects the refined jewelry traditions of urban northern Vietnam. Its graceful floral setting and high-silver construction distinguish it from the heavier, more geometric forms typically associated with tribal adornment.

Key Details

• Origin: Northern Vietnam

• Date: Early to mid-20th century (circa 1920–1950)

• Material: High-grade silver (tested above sterling standard)

• Stone: Faceted red stone, glass or spinel gemstone

• Weight: 1.83 grams

• Length: 27 mm

• Earlobe Opening: 4 mm

• Condition: Very good antique condition; fully intact, wearable, and collectible

• Offered As: Single earring

Description

Delicately formed as an open flower, this antique earring features a vivid faceted red stone held in a traditional claw setting. The design combines subtle sophistication with excellent craftsmanship, characteristic of fine northern Vietnamese silverwork of the period. The silver has tested as a high-grade alloy, a hallmark of quality jewelry produced for affluent urban clientele.

Such earrings were worn as personal adornment by women of status, often as part of a carefully assembled jewelry ensemble. Their refined aesthetic reflects the influence of courtly and metropolitan taste rather than tribal silversmithing traditions.

Cultural Significance

Jewelry of this type represents the rich silversmithing heritage of northern Vietnam, where artisans produced finely worked pieces for the urban elite. The floral motif and gemstone setting embody both local craftsmanship and broader regional design influences.

Reference:

*- The Jewelry of Southeast Asia - Page: 59 - Image#: 126 - Anne Richter - Thames & Hudson
*- A World of Earrings Africa – Asia – America – Page: 215 - by Ann Van Cutsem – Skira