"Fairy Wings" Real Alstroemeria Petal Earrings

Yunicrafts' fairy wings earrings are long drop earrings made from individual petals of the Alstroemeria, or Peruvian lily, rather than whole flowers. Each petal is pressed flat and coated in a thin layer of clear resin, which leaves it semi-translucent, and the crimson veining and the fade from cream to blush pink are the petal's own markings with no painting applied. The petals hang from curved long gold-plated brass hooks or a fine chain. Now, let's explore some of its special qualities and unique characteristics.

Using one petal instead of a whole bloom is the decision that defines this pair. A single Alstroemeria petal is thin enough that a thin resin coat leaves it semi-translucent, so light passes through and lights the veins from behind rather than only reflecting off the surface. It also means there is almost nothing to weigh the earring down, so the petal swings freely from a long curved hook rather than hanging still. Petals are selected for their striations, and since the markings grow differently on every flower, a pair is matched for size but never for pattern.

That weight, or the lack of it, is what the pair is really built around. There is very little to feel at the ear even at a long drop length, and the petal moves with the wearer rather than resisting, which is the effect the design is after. The semi-translucent finish reads best in daylight, where the veining shows through.

Details

• Product: Long drop earrings
• Primary material: Real Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily) petal
• Secondary materials: Resin; gold-plated brass
• Preservation: Single petal pressed flat and coated in a thin clear resin layer
• Finish: Semi-translucent
• Colour: Natural cream to blush pink with crimson veining; undyed
• Weight: Very lightweight
• Variation: Vein pattern differs between pairs; petals matched for size only