Georg Jensen Moonlight Grapes Sterling Silver Drop Earring
Jewelry, Earrings · Georg Jensen, a prestigious Danish silversmith founded in Copenhagen in 1904, renowned for leading the Danish modern and Art Nouveau silver movements.
Pattern: Moonlight Grapes, specifically the smaller drop variant; originally inspired by a 1918 silver grape bowl design from Jensen's early period.
Type
Jewelry, Earrings
Maker
Georg Jensen, a prestigious Danish silversmith founded in Copenhagen in 1904, renowned for leading the Danish modern and Art Nouveau silver movements.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Current iterations sometimes feature black onyx or rose gold, but this piece appears to be solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 2.0-2.5 cm in length; weight approximately 3-5 grams per earring. Small-to-medium decorative scale.
Description
An elegant sterling silver drop earring from the iconic Georg Jensen Moonlight Grapes collection. The piece features a graduated cluster of polished silver spheres that mimics the shape of a bunch of grapes. It serves as a modern reinterpretation of a classic Art Nouveau motif, balancing sculptural weight with refined sophistication.
Key Features
Spherical grape-cluster design, 'Moonlight Grapes' pattern identifier, high-polish sterling finish, signature Georg Jensen sculptural aesthetic.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Current iterations sometimes feature black onyx or rose gold, but this piece appears to be solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
High mirror-polish finish on individual silver spheres; some recessed areas may feature intentional oxidation to enhance the depth and sculptural quality of the grape bunch.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely includes '925 S', 'DENMARK', and the Georg Jensen dotted oval logo on the post or the reverse of the primary grape bunch.
Construction Details
Cast spheres joined with delicate soldering or pins to create a flexible, organic cluster; machine-finished and hand-polished to achieve high luster.
Functional Features
Single post-and-butterfly backing for pierced ears; the cluster represents a stylized grape bunch with varying sphere sizes to create movement.
Handle & Grip Details
Standard sterling silver friction post and clutch butterfly backing; the post is soldered directly to the top sphere of the cluster.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent symmetry and finish; the connection points are hidden within the cluster to give the appearance of floating grapes.
Authentication Indicators
The specific cluster pattern and sphere sizes are unique to Jensen; hallmark depth and the quality of the solder joints where spheres meet are key indicators.
Origin & Manufacturing
Origin Copenhagen, Denmark; manufactured in Jensen's workshops or authorized production facilities using traditional Danish silversmithing standards.
Era & Period
Modern / Contemporary production; while the design is based on Art Nouveau motifs from 1918, the Moonlight Grapes jewelry line was popularized and expanded in the 21st century.
Age Estimate
Contemporary, likely produced between 2005 and the present day.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of Scandinavian minimalism with decorative Art Nouveau roots; a staple of Danish luxury design widely recognized in global fashion.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition; light surface abrasions visible on the spheres, moderate tarnish in the crevices between spheres. Backing appears slightly worn but functional.
Value Estimate
Retail for a pair: $250-$450; Secondary market value for a single earring: $75-$125 depending on hallmarked status.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a silver jewelry cloth specifically designed for high-polish surfaces; avoid ultrasonic cleaners if oxidized details are present. Store in a soft pouch to prevent spheres from scratching each other.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. HardWear ball earrings (different spacing/clumping), vintage sterling puffed bead drops (non-branded, often heavier or less structured).
Interesting Facts
The original grape motif was first used by Georg Jensen himself on a silver hollowware bowl (Design No. 263) over 100 years ago.