Hi Beth,
the description at the homepage of the swiss "Stiftung für Kunst, Kultur und Geschichte" called the whole parure gilded. Maybe the lower part is a base which could be worn separatly without the upper parts. I wouldn't be surprised the upper elements could be used as a necklace, pendants, the smaller ones a earrings? The parure contains no earrings. The base looks as if its lost the gilt by frequent use. Very frequent use.