Elizabeth Locke Venetian Glass Intaglio Sterling Silver & Vermeil Clip-On Earrings
Jewelry (Earrings) · Elizabeth Locke, founded in 1988. Known for neo-classical designs using 19th-century casting techniques and high-quality materials, often drawing inspiration from Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquity.
Pattern: Venetian Glass Intaglio Collection, featuring handmade glass casts from 17th-century moulds.
Type
Jewelry (Earrings)
Maker
Elizabeth Locke, founded in 1988. Known for neo-classical designs using 19th-century casting techniques and high-quality materials, often drawing inspiration from Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquity.
Material
The base is Sterling Silver (.925) with a heavy gold overlay (Vermeil/19K/18K plating). Features teal/teal-blue handmade Venetian glass intaglios and possible cubic zirconia or diamond pave accents on the bail.
Dimensions
Standard large-scale statement earring size; approximately 20mm-25mm in width. Estimated weight 15-20 grams for the pair.
Description
A stunning example of Elizabeth Locke's ability to bridge the gap between ancient history and modern luxury. These earrings feature deep teal Venetian glass intaglios depicting classical figures, encased in rich, gold-washed sterling silver. The use of a satin, textured finish and bold architectural prongs creates an unmistakable profile favored by high-society collectors.
Key Features
Teal glass intaglios, 'dog-tooth' prongs, hammered vermeil finish, and classical motif icons.
Material & Composition
The base is Sterling Silver (.925) with a heavy gold overlay (Vermeil/19K/18K plating). Features teal/teal-blue handmade Venetian glass intaglios and possible cubic zirconia or diamond pave accents on the bail.
Finish & Decoration
Romanesque/Etruscan style with a 'hammered' or 'satin' gold finish. Features signature bezel settings with distinctive beaded or rope-twist 'dog-tooth' prongs holding the intaglios.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks include the 'Elizabeth Locke' logo (often a stylized 'E' or full name), '925' for silver or '18K/19K' for gold purity, and occasionally a globe or artisan stamp.
Construction Details
Lost-wax cast bezel and components with hand-applied granules and textures. Pieces are often finished by hand to create a uniquely antique look.
Functional Features
Includes a distinctive hinged clip-on mechanism, potentially with a fold-down post (Omega back) for versatility between pierced and non-pierced ears.
Handle & Grip Details
Ergonomically designed hinge and pressure-pad back for comfortable long-term wear of heavy statement jewelry.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-finished casting with high-relief intaglio work. The bezel-to-stone fit is precise, indicating high-end workshop production rather than mass-market manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive Elizabeth Locke prong style, specific teal hue of Venetian glass, and hallmark depth. Low-quality replicas often fail to replicate the sharpness of the intaglio image.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed in Virginia, USA; manufacturing often involves high-end workshops in Bangkok, Thailand, where traditional gold and silversmithing techniques are preserved.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern with Classical Revival influences (late 20th to early 21st century).
Age Estimate
Circa 1995-2015 based on the popularity of the teal glass intaglio and the specific textured bezel style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Quiet Luxury' movement of the late 90s and early 2000s, where craftsmanship and historical narrative outweighed brand logos.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible minor wear to the vermeil plating on high-contact prong edges. Glass appears free of chips; pavé settings on the side appear intact. Minor tarnish on the interior silver components.
Value Estimate
$400 - $850 USD on the secondary market depending on gold thickness and motif rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft damp cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or aggressive silver dips, as these can strip the vermeil gold gilding and damage the backing of the glass intaglio.
Similar Pieces
Bvlgari Monete (using real coins), Seaman Schepps (bold textures), or Julie Vos (lower-tier fashion alternatives using plated brass).
Interesting Facts
Locke selects her intaglios from a collection of thousands of glass molds, many of which originated in Venice and depict mythological scenes or historic figures.