These imposing earrings were likely bought as a souvenir during an Italian 'Grand Tour' in the 19th Century.
They are made from gilded metal, which has been coloured to resemble two-toned gold. Each earring is set with a glass enamel plaque, inlaid with a glass micro-mosaic, depicting different Ancient temples that can be visited around Rome. I believe they depict the Domitian Palace, Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Titus, and the Roman
Forum.
The drops can be removed from the tops, creating a more demure pair to be worn during the day, and a more chic pair to wear in the evening. They have their original 19th-century fisher hooks, which are threaded through the back of the lobe and are fastened in the front.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 84 x 24 mm from hook to tip.
The top settings measure 18 x 12 mm, and the drops 65 x 24 mm.
Weight: Each earring weighs 9.96 grams.
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1850s.
Material: Glass and gilded metal.
Condition: These earrings are in good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with their age. The glass mosaic has a few minor damages which can be seen in the pictures, the most obvious of which is a chip in the corner of one of the top micro-mosaics: I am wearing this earring in the picture so you can see that this is luckily not very noticeable when worn.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes only.