Title
Diamond ear studs
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th centuries
Region
Straits Settlements
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Unknown Type: Please refer to parts
Accession No.
2002-00313
Collection of
This pair of ‘kerabu’ (ear studs), set with clusters of seven small diamonds, is of a style that dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. The diamonds are mounted on a frame made of gold with ornamental backs that screw into place. Diamonds are the most popular gemstones in Peranakan jewellery. The diamonds in these studs are cut in an old style known as a rose cut, with a flat back and a domed, faceted face. Historically, diamonds in the region came mostly from Borneo. However, by the late 19th century, diamonds from South Africa were becoming more readily available in Southeast Asia, further fuelling their popularity among wealthy Peranakans.
