These late Georgian, early Victorian earrings are steeped in history dating to around 1830 and they are as stunning today as when they were first worn almost 200 years ago.
Incredibly detailed the pendant drop style earrings feature large garnet paste cabochons that glow like deep red ripe fruits half hidden under golden textured leaves.
The stones are set in a bezel decorated all around with a rope motif. The stones have an intense saturation and superb depth of color. Extremely labour intensive to manufacture and requiring high levels of skill antique paste jewelry is an art form in its own right often selling for more than its gemstone equivalent and these stones are a perfect example!
The garnets are mounted in gold gilded Pinchbeck. An antique gold substitute "Pinchbeck" is a bright yellow metal alloy that closely resembled the high carat gold of the Georgian era. Invented in the 18th century by Christopher Pinchbeck, a London clockmaker. Today Pinchbeck jewelry has become highly sought after in its own right and unfortunately much of it is misidentified. When in doubt, if it isn't this bright improbable shade of gold, then it likely isn't Pinchbeck.
The top of the earrings have 9ct gold beads and sterling silver ear wires. The pendant drops likely had another drop attached to the bottoms that have been removed sometime in their long life, probably when fashions changed in the late 19th century. An exquisite pair of period antique earrings and surprisingly comfortable to wear, just gorgeous!
MATERIALS: Pinchbeck, 9ct gold, sterling silver
GEMSTONES: Garnets (paste, glass) measuring approx. 18x13mm.
MEASUREMENTS: 1-3/4" (45mm) from the top of the wire to the bottom, pendant drops 1-1/8" (28mm)
ERA: Georgian/Victorian circa 1830.
WEIGHT: 10 grams (total)
CONDITION: The earrings are in very very good antique condition with light wear and expected signs of age. Slight age tarnish to the Pinchbeck leaves (more apparent in the photos than to the eye). The gold balls are dent free, the stones are in perfect order with no cracks or chips and the ear wires are fixed and secure.
At Mercy Madge we offer distinctive and unique estate jewelry in our beautifully curated shop. Each piece is carefully hand selected by us, for you. We rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone!