On offer is a pair of Siam Silver Neilloware enamel clip-on earrings. The earrings are in the shape of fans, with ornate edges. The clip mechanism is good on both of the earrings.
ABOUT SIAM SILVER NEILLOWARE ENAMEL JEWELLERY
Siam Silver Neilloware enamel jewellery pieces (from Thailand) were popular in the 1950s through to the 1970s, and were produced by a variety of jewellery manufacturers. It is technically "Niello" or "Nielloware", created by carving out areas of the silver, and baking a sulfur/metals powder in the carved out areas. Jewellery pieces are often marked Siam / Sterling." Technically "Niello" or "Nielloware", the pieces are created by first engraving the silver design, then carving out "background" areas of the silver, filling these areas with a sulfur powder mixture (50% sulfur, with varying amounts of copper, silver, and lead), baking the piece at very high temperatures, smoothing and polishing the piece, and finally re-engraving the silver. Called "khruang thom" in Thailand.
The design often displays Mekkala, the Goddess of Lightning, and represents the Thai version (the Ramakien) of the Buddhist and Hindu Indian legend, Ramayama, about a prince, his wife, his parents (King and Queen of Siam), and the evil king of Ceylon.
This jewellery was often sent to American wives or girlfriends from their soldier-husbands / boyfriends on leave from fighting in Viet Nam, or stationed in Thailand during the Viet Nam war.
Even at this late date, not much is known about these items, for instance, the quantities produced, age of individual pieces, or even how many varieties were created - so there is still much research remaining to be performed in this area. It appears that about 20 manufacturers produced about 2 500 Niello designs over about 65 years, with only some large specialty pieces (not designed for export) still being produced. These very rough estimates should improve in accuracy as more information is obtained.
