Circa 1820, these charming English Vauxhall glass earrings are rare survivors. Featuring floral drops of hand-faceted black glass tiles, they were designed to catch and reflect the light, creating a mesmerising sparkle in the soft glow of Georgian candle-lit evenings.
The tiles are mounted onto metal backing plates finished in thick black japanning, a glossy black lacquer technique widely used during the late Georgian and early Victorian period. The earrings are finished with high quality custom-made sterling silver hooks, specially made for these drops as later replacements.
The distinctive floral design is characteristic of early Vauxhall glass jewellery. The glass was produced by the Vauxhall glassworks in London, and small pieces left over from the glassmaking process were used to create the jewellery. Cut and faceted to maximise their sparkle, the irregularity of these little hand-cut tiles is part of their charm.
Much of the jewellery was sold at the celebrated Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, one of Georgian London's most fashionable entertainment venues. Operating from 1729 until 1859, the Gardens defined London's fashionable nightlife. Concerts, fireworks, illuminated walks, balloon flights and all manner of entertainments — and, inevitably, tales of drunkenness and debauchery — made Vauxhall the talk of Georgian London!
Steeped in Georgian history and feminine charm, these Regency-era gems are a wonderful addition to a collection of early jewellery. Not surprisingly, given the fragile nature of glass, genuine period Vauxhall glass jewellery is now a real rarity.
DETAILS:
HOOKS: Sterling silver
DROPS: Vauxhall glass
SIZE: Flower heads 2cm (¾ inch) diameter; total drop 4.2cm (1¾ inches)
DATE: Circa 1820, Georgian Regency
WEIGHT: 5.3 grams total
CONDITION: Given their age, these earrings are in very good condition, with light surface wear and a few tiny nibbles to the edges of the glass, visible under close inspection. The hand-cut glass tiles are not perfectly uniform in size or shape, as you would expect from genuinely early handmade jewellery
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At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished, ensuring they are ready to wear and enjoy, or present as a thoughtful gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free Worldwide Shipping
We are pleased to offer complimentary worldwide shipping on all purchases. For our US and EU customers, all applicable tariffs and import charges are included in the purchase price, so no additional duties or fees will be payable on delivery.
* Returns Policy
If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, you may return your item for a refund. Please contact us within 3 days of receiving your order and return the item within 7 days.
* Gemstone Testing & Measurements
All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. Please note that all measurements and stated carat weights are approximate.
* Photography & Scale
Our photographs are taken in extreme close-up to show every fine detail. As a result, minor imperfections may appear more pronounced in images than they do to the naked eye. Close-up photography can also make pieces appear larger on screen, so we recommend referring carefully to the written description for precise dimensions.
* Gifting
Purchasing as a gift? Your jewellery will arrive beautifully gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note that unless otherwise stated, any antique boxes shown in photographs are for display purposes only and are not included in the sale.
