Vintage Laurel, Inc. 1970s retailer Cloisonné Enamel Pinwheel Japanese Family Crest Sterling Silver 24k Gold Wash Pierced Earrings

These vintage 1970s Laurel, Inc. cloisonné enamel pierced earrings feature a pinwheel, and possibly a Japanese Family Crest, in sterling silver 24k gold wash. The enamel colors are Turquoise, Jet, and Light Rose.

Enamels bake at various temperatures, many colors require multiple layers, and fired multiple times. For unknown reasons, pink and red colored enamels are extremely fragile. A layer of whitish/blue enamel was added to the backs strengthening the enamels.

The earrings measure approximately 1-1/8" in length, 3/4" drop, by 3/4" in width, and are marked S.925. These earrings were handcrafted by Chinese artisans and sold under the Laurel, Inc. line as inventory number 6701.

The black enamel has a flat appearance, mostly on one earring. It's unknown if this is the way the enamel fired, or if this is some kind of dried residue. There are tiny chips near the ear wires, which is a common finding with this design. The vermeil ear wires are not original.

These earrings are in great condition and are a wonderful treasure to add to any collection.

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Below is helpful information from Laurel Burch's catalog on caring for these treasures.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR EARRINGS

Laurel, Inc. enamel earrings are an exciting blend of contemporary style retailer and far eastern craft. Each earring is hand enameled on vermeil, in China, using techniques unique to that country.

As each piece is hand worked, there will sometimes be slight differences in coloration. These should not be viewed as imperfections but rather as your assurance of their individuality.

We offer the following suggestions for the care of Laurel, Inc. earrings.

The enamel itself is a thin layer of glass on the surface of the earring. It should be treated very gently and never bent as that could lead to its cracking or shattering.

Fixed earwires and posts are soldered to the earring. The juncture itself must never be bent as this could cause the earwire to separate from the earring. If adjustment must be made, always be sure to support the top of the wire while bending the end portion.

Those earwires which are an actual part of the earring design should be adjusted, if necessary, by moving the wire from side to side. They should never be moved up and down as this could loosen the solder.

Earwires that are hinged are designed to allow enough movement for easy insertion into the ear. The hinge should never be forced.

As silver is a relatively soft metal excessive manipulation and adjustment should be avoided.

To clean the earrings (both silver and vermeil) we recommend using a silver cleaning solution, such as Tarn-x. The earring should be first quickly dipped in the solution. It should then be carefully washed in warm water and mild detergent to remove any residue of the dip. If a piece is badly tarnished this procedure should be repeated. Dry gently and your earring will be good as new. We do not recommend the use of rough cloths for cleaning vermeil.