I have pierced ears, and am interested in reasonably correct earrings, reasonably priced.

The Smithsonian Store on-line has numerous drop-wire styles with stones -- please tell me if any are appropriate. Surely the Smithsonian has some dated examples? (But who knows what they stock in the Store!)

I know this would depend on the lady's circumstances, but since my ears are pierced, I think that anything other than a work dress would call for earrings!

So far, I am still looking at pictures reproduced in books, there is not enough detail.

Please forgive my spelling error!

And, a coworker has an Avon catalog that includes earrings that are on drop wires, sterling silver with onyx, for about $20.

Both materials were certainly available, and the design is symetrical & pleasant.

Can a more experienced lady give me a read on the 'look' of any of these earrings?

Thank you!

I've been searching the web for antiques and have found that the type of fastening used in the reproduction pieces of jewelry on the ladie's parlour web site (and others) are period correct. This type of French clip was more common than one thinks, and would be fully plausable to wear. If you are still unsure, The Abraham's Lady website has a few very pretty fish hook styles you might like, in antique gold or silver. You might try reading Popular Jewelry, 1840-1940 by Roseann Ettinger. Hope this helps!