These 18kt yellow gold drop earrings are each set with a coral cameo, one depicting a man and the other depicting a lady. These people do not carry any attributes that can help us determine who they are, but since they are facing each other, they are clearly a couple. They likely depict a couple from ancient mythology, for instance Zeus and Juno, or Mars and Venus. The cameos hang from a hinged fitting, which means that they can lightly sway back and forth when worn.
Originally, the fisher hooks of this pair were very thick which made them not wearable for most, so I had them filled down by my jeweler, while still keeping the hallmarks on the hooks intact.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 31 mm / 1.22 inches long from hook to tip.
The cameos measure 20 x 16 mm.
Weight: Total weight 9.23 grams.
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1870s.
Material: The earrings carry French hallmarks for 18kt gold. They also have a makers mark, which I was not able to identify.
Condition: These earrings are in good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with their age. The cameos are still in great condition with no damages or scratches: the material does display some irregularities that are part of the natural growth process of the coral. Each cameo has a 'scratch' on the back, which is likely also part of the natural material, which is why the carver decided to position that piece of coral at the back.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes only.