These hooped butterfly earrings are antiques that originate from the Qing Dynasty, where a noble woman would have worn an intricate design such as this for a special occasion.

Antique stock, made by hand in the late 19th or early 20th century. Gilded silver with  kingfisher feather (tian-tsui) finish depicts a butterfly with jade wings. (note: One of the butterfly's right wing is broken). Glass beads mimic pearls. 1 1/8 inches tall with french hook ear wires.