Siam Sterling Niello Hinged Peacock Clip On Earrings Marked STERLING MADE in SIAM

1 1/8x5/8" hinged peacock clip on earrings with STERLING MADE IN SIAM marked on the back. The feathers were engraved on the front.

Nielloware describes the charcoal-black and silver (or gold) items from Thailand, 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, Nielloware has had a fascinating period of popularity, especially from the 1950's to 1970's.

Thailand was earlier known as Siam. However, in the year 1939, on June 23, the name was modified to Thailand. The country was named back to Siam between the years 1945 and 1949. After this period, the name Thailand was adopted once again.