Astley's Ampitheatre Turquoise Panther Earrings

When retired cavalry officer Philip Astley's old London circus ring burned down in 1794, he replaced it with another. Which burned down in 1803. So, he built the hippodrome - a venue where the working class might see big cats as part of lavish circus shows.

Here a turquoise panther is elaborately patterned and painted with bright enamels. Vintage design by Laurel Burch. 24k gold over sterling silver. Hoop backs for pierced ears. Size: 1 1/2 inches.