Duquesne Incline hand-painted earrings, made one brushstroke at a time
Duquesne Incline hand-painted earrings carry one of Pittsburgh’s most recognizable views on a tiny canvas β the bright red funicular cars climbing the face of Mt. Washington, brushed by hand on lightweight wood. Each pair is painted by a person, not stamped by a machine, so no two land identically. The detail is fine enough to read from across a room and small enough that the earrings themselves stay light and wearable.
A bit about the Duquesne Incline
If you live in or have visited the ‘Burgh, you already know the Duquesne Incline β the cable-driven railway that has hauled riders up and down Mt. Washington since 1877. The wooden cars and the view from the top deck (downtown’s Golden Triangle, the three rivers, the bridges) are as Pittsburgh as it gets. These earrings borrow that picture and pin it to your ears.
Wear, weight, and what to expect
Lightweight wood plus hypoallergenic posts means you can wear these all day without ear-droop or the itch some sensitive ears get from cheaper fashion jewelry. Hooks are gentle, posts are smooth. The pair sits below the jawline on most wearers and pairs cleanly with a solid neckline β a black turtleneck, a denim jacket, a plain tee β so the painting stays the focal point. They’re as at-home in a coffee shop on East Carson as they are at a Penguins game or a Sunday at Phipps.
A Pittsburgh gift that actually feels like Pittsburgh
If you’ve ever struggled to find a Pittsburgh gift that isn’t another Steelers t-shirt or a magnet from the airport, these are it. They work for: someone who moved out of town and misses the Incline view; a friend who lights up at small handmade things; a Pittsburgh native celebrating a milestone; a tourist who wants a souvenir with actual craft behind it; or yourself, if you happen to feel like 412 pride should look this good.
Care & details
Wood and water don’t get along. Keep these dry, off the bathroom counter, and out of long stretches of direct sun. To clean, wipe gently with a dry soft cloth β no jewelry dip. Store flat in a small pouch or the original packaging to protect the painted finish from scuffs. With normal wear, the painting holds up beautifully for years.
About the maker
Duquesne Incline hand-painted earrings are made by Sunshine And Sparkles Jewelry, a small-shop maker on YinzMart β Pittsburgh’s marketplace built for local and woman-owned brands. Browse more Pittsburgh-themed items in the same category, or explore the maker’s full collection of hand-painted earrings.
FAQs about Duquesne Incline hand-painted earrings
Are the earrings hypoallergenic?
Yes β the posts are hypoallergenic, so they’re a safe pick for sensitive ears. The hand-painted wood panels themselves are inert.
How accurate is the Duquesne Incline painting?
It’s not a literal photograph β it’s a hand-painted interpretation that captures the iconic red cable car and the Mt. Washington setting. The brushwork is detailed enough to read clearly, and the style fits the artisan feel of the maker’s other work.
What size are they?
Lightweight wood pendants on hypoallergenic posts β sized to sit comfortably below the jawline on most wearers without grazing the shoulder.
Will they ship to the Pittsburgh area?
Yes β free shipping is included on Duquesne Incline hand-painted earrings across the Pittsburgh region and nationwide. Orders typically ship within a few business days from the maker.
Are these a good gift for someone who moved away from Pittsburgh?
They’re one of the best β the Incline is one of those landmarks people miss the most after leaving the city. A pair of these plus a handwritten note travels surprisingly well as a “thinking of home” gift.
Can I see other Pittsburgh-themed pieces from this maker?
Yes β Sunshine And Sparkles Jewelry has a full line of Pittsburgh pieces including pierogi, 412 skyline, Penguins-inspired, and Yinzer designs. Browse the Pittsburgh-themed items category to see them all.









