A charming pair of black antique vulcanite drop earrings featuring painted porcelain plaques of young Tyrolean gypsy boys. Sometimes called the vagabond boys the images were beloved during the sentimental Victorian era.
The earrings have sterling silver ear hooks that are a later replacement and not original to the earrings. The earrings are in very, very good condition with signs of age as you would expect but nothing detrimental, the paintings are still in tact with minimal paint loss.
The vulcanite, as is typical, has faded with age to a deep dark brown which simply adds to the antique charm. Just a lovely pair earrings all around and an absolute classic of the era. Vulcanite (Ebonite) is a type of hard black plastic that was used as a cheaper substitute for Whitby jet, it was used extensively in mourning jewellery.
MATERIALS: vulcanite, porcelain, sterling silver
DATE: Victorian, circa 1860
SIZE: length 2" (50mm) top to bottom, drop length 1-5/8" (40mm), width 5/8" (20mm)
WEIGHT: 5.6 grams
HALLMARKS: stamped '925' on the ear wires
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FREE DELIVERY on all orders worldwide. All orders are despatched next business day and sent with full tracking. Global Express shipping is available if required, simply upgrade your shipping method at check out.
- Unless otherwise stated any antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in purchase. However, do rest assured all items will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery presentation box.
- RETURNS, you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order if you wish to do so.
- Our photographs are taken with a magnified macro lens to show you every tiny detail, flaws are exaggerated and aren't as noticeable to the naked eye, similarly shadows caused by studio lighting can give rise to discoloured areas that don't exist.
Antique Victorian Vulcanite Earrings, Gypsy Boy Painted Porcelain Portraits, Sterling Silver Hooks. Victorian Black Mourning Earrings