At the time these paste earrings were made, amethysts were considered to be equal in value to sapphires and rubies. Being rare, expensive and desirable, the paste version of the purple gem was very popular in the late 18th and 19th centuries. These "amethyst" paste earrings were most likely converted from a larger piece of jewelry, possibly a necklace. The glass gems are mounted in foiled-backed dished gold settings with the distinctive Georgian style crimped collets.