A jeweler in St. Petersburg flips through a worn copy of The Ruins of Athens, and architectural flourishes from ancient Greek temples are rearranged and rendered in gold, pearls and colored enamels. The finished earrings are bought by a woman wrapped in furs and black velvet. She wears them as she walks past the Tsar’s winter palace. Empires rise and fall, she thinks, but great style is eternal.

Late 19th century-made 14k yellow gold earrings with fluted amphorae-like dangle. It swings from a disk decorated with a black and blue enamel starburst surrounding a single split seed pearl, with pretty hand engraved details. Shepherds hooks backs with Russian hallmarks.

These earrings are in excellent antique condition. They measure 2.5" in length.