The Grand Dome Earrings
Gilded opulence. Supermodel presence.
 
Richly sculptural, with warm gold tones and flashes of jewel colour, this striking vintage pair brings a sense of occasion to the simplest clothes. A white shirt, sleeves turned back. A fine black knit. Hair swept away from the face. Suddenly, familiar favourites feel considered again.
 
The stamp reads “MOD. DEP.”, short for modèle déposé, meaning registered design.Their generous proportions and richly ornamented surfaces evoke the glamour of 1980s costume jewellery - the gilded abundance associated with Chanel styling and the confidence of the supermodel wardrobe. Jewellery worn with conviction, as an essential part of the silhouette.
 
Each earring pairs a smaller domed upper section with a generous circular drop, suspended from connecting rings that allow a gentle sway. Raised, rope-like bands travel across the curved surfaces, framing elaborate scrolls and leaf-like flourishes. Darkened recesses lend depth to the antiqued gold-tone finish, bringing the ornament into beautiful relief.
 
Faceted stones in ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue and amber yellow punctuate the metalwork. Their colour catches the light as you turn your head, while the rounded domes give the earrings presence from every angle. The effect recalls the richness of Byzantine ornament: intricate, sumptuous and full of character.
 
At approximately 7.5 cm long and 4 cm wide, they frame the face with unmistakable confidence. Wear them with tailoring for a long lunch, an open collar on an ordinary afternoon, or bare shoulders after dark. They invite the pleasure of dressing with a little more instinct - and give people something worth looking at closely.
 
For the collector drawn to expressive vintage jewellery, these bring something indispensable to a wardrobe - a sense of theatre, a confident point of view, and a reason to wear the simplest clothes exceptionally well.
 
Dimensions: approximately 7.5 cm long × 4 cm wide
Design: double domes with raised scrollwork and rope-like detailing
Finish: antiqued gold-tone metal with multicoloured faceted stones
Fastening: clip-on
Reverse marking: “MOD. DEP.”
Origin: French; Sourced from London, United Kingdom