King Charles I Earring

This lost relic, a baroque freshwater pearl earring adorned with a golden crown, is a reproduction of the one worn by King Charles I of England. The son of an extravagant king, Charles was scarcely seen without the impressive pear-shaped pearl earring on his left ear from an early age. Such a large pearl was extremely rare - so he cherished this symbol of his family's power and wealth. 

As his father’s reign sank the country deeper into debt, members of parliament rose up against the monarchy and began dismantling their most prized luxuries, including the crown jewels, which were mostly melted down and destroyed. However, Charles managed to protect his keepsake until the day he was sentenced to death. 

He wore his precious earring, a symbol of the wealth and indulgence of his time, until 1649 when he was beheaded by the government for treason. It’s rumored that a mob formed at the sight of the king’s falling head, still adorned with his precious crowned pearl.

Details & Materials

• Sold as a single earring
• 0.7 carats of natural, untreated white sapphires and red garnets
  
• Baroque genuine freshwater pearl
• Hand-painted lapis blue enamel
• 18kt yellow gold vermeil on a solid sterling silver base 
• 55MM x 15MM x 15MM

Due to the unique nature and biological formation of baroque pearls, each piece is one-of-a-kind with an organic shape - variation in size and shape will occur.