19th Century Shakudō Dragon Earrings brooches and indeed proceeded to make

and indeed proceeded to make such a piece is somewhat unusual

the outer two flower drops are finished in white enamel and the centre is solid gold

the jeweller taking full advantage of the metal's superior strength to create fine openworked hoops and slender prongs securing the stones in place

The sides of the head are beautifully textured

19th Century Shakudō Dragon Earrings brooches and indeed proceeded to makeStunning antique dragon earrings each built around two damascene panels the gold dragons presented in stark contrast over the jet black shakud base. Shakud () is a Japanese mixed metal alloy of gold and copper (typically 4 10% and 96 90% respectively) used for inlays and decorative purposes. As with these earrings, it's often carved and treated to produce a black patina before being inlayed with high carat gold. The panels date from the mid 19th