These antique earrings, which look surprisingly modern to the untrained eye, are full of symbolism and were worn by women in the Cioriaria region of Italy (a region south of Rome) up until the 1970s.
They are referred to as ' Gangane e Luchetti' which roughly translates to a hinged padlock, the hollow, U-shaped elements. The shape of this element symbolizes both the crescent moon and the uterus, and therefore point to a woman's fertility. Soldered below is a circle, which points to the unity of family. This part of the earrings is always similar, and the elements that would dangle from the circular element would differ.
In this particular example it is fitted with two tiny gavels, but sometimes a little key is suspended from this position. In both cases, these items symbolized the husband of the wearer, the only one who could break or unlock her purity.
From the gavels dangle two little gold hearts, one of which is engraved with an 'E' on one side and an 'A' on the other. In this pair, the two little hearts differ slightly, so they were likely gifted at separate occasions.
These earrings were gifted to women who were of mariable and childbearing age, and all the symbols therefore refer to her role as a wife and mother. The length and size would be seen as a symbol of status, with this pair being relatively modest, but some versions even reaching 18 cm in length!
Ciociari Women would wear these earrings their whole lives, and each pair was highly individual. Therefore, this pair is a touching tribute to an unknown Italian woman's life.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 86 x 18 mm and 90 x 18 mm.
Weight: Combined 15.00 grams.
Age: Late 19th / early 20th Century: circa 1900.
Material: Acid tested at around 14k gold.
Condition: In good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with their age.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes only.