Wonderful, one of a kind earrings with lots of pizzazz. Antique faceted Russian Blue trade beads from the 1800's with hand-made fine silver stars. Approximately 1 1/2 inches long on sterling silver ear wires.
Antique Trade Beads:
Beads have been used as a buying commodity for centuries throughout the world. Beads were first brought to Alaska by Russian traders during the early 1800's. Beads found their way to the upper Yukon River region in the later part of the 1800's through the Hudson Company and American fur traders as well as gold miners, during the 40 Mile and Klondike gold rushes. The local Han and Gwich'in natives, along the upper Yukon, highly prized trade beads and acquired them from traders and miners as payment for meat, furs and guiding. Treasure a piece of wearable history!