The Lord Chamberlain's Men Earrings

On 28 December 1594, William Shakespeare and his acting company, The Lord Chamberlain's Men, were requested to entertain Queen Elizabeth I at Greenwich Palace. To suit the occasion, Shakespeare had chosen a sparkling comedy. Oriole watched the spectacle from a balcony and saw the silhouettes of the audience illuminated by dozens of candles. The Queen, who was wearing a double ruff and pearl earrings, and her guests, too, looked resplendent in their richly decorated attire. Male fashion at the time comprised tight-fitting doublets, padded breeches, and high collars. Performing in such restrictive clothing must be arduous, Oriole thought to himself. After the final curtain, the actors were awaited by a barge, moored on the Thames. Snowflakes were dancing in the air, and a sharp wind blew. Oriole, who had joined the troupe, found warmth and refuge under Shakespeare's cloak and travelled safely with him back to London.

These earrings represent The Lord Chamberlain's Men during their performance at Greenwich Palace. Each earring is crafted to resemble a small figure—a pearl for the head, a silver collar element between the pearl and glass bead that evokes the high ruffs and doublets of Elizabethan dress, and a vibrant glass bead forming the body. The silver collar can be oriented upwards or downwards, allowing you to adjust the character's posture and giving each pair a subtle individuality, much like the actors themselves.

Wear them as a tribute to the theatre, to storytelling, and to those who brought Shakespeare's words to life beneath candlelight and snowfall.

Each pair of earrings comes with an extended story about The Lord Chamberlain's Men and their performance at Greenwich Palace.

Specifications:

• Material: 925 sterling silver, freshwater pearls, glass beads
• Length: approximately 32mm
• Pearls: approximately 8mm diameter
• Glass beads: royal blue approximately 12mm, red and light blue approximately 11mm
• Design note: The silver collar element can be oriented upwards or downwards

Choose your preferred colours and adornments to make these earrings uniquely yours.

If you have any questions, please enquire.

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