These 18k yellow gold earrings are set with faceted garnets and are decorated with cannetillle, a form of filigree gold work that creates tiny 'wheels' of gold thread. Their design is very typical for the Dutch jewellery of the late 19th- and early 20th Century, when deep purple garnets, often faceted in rose-cut shapes, were used profusely. Traditionally, these garnets were often worn as mourning jewellery. The gemstone became so popular, however, that they were also worn outside of mourning.
The way they are fastened is very typical for their age too, with a tension hook that fastens in the front, which threads through your lobe from the back to the front. This way of fastening does need some time to get adjusted to by practicing it in the mirror (at least in my experience!) but it is a surprisingly comfortable way of wearing earrings.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 44 mm long from hook to tip.
Weight: Combined 10.30 grams.
Age: Early 19th Century, also known as the Georgian era, circa 1820s.
Material: The earrings have gold hallmarks that cannot be read anymore, so have been acid tested as being 18kt gold. They are also hallmarked with dutch 'axe' taxation hallmarks, which were used between 1853 and 1927.
Condition: In antique condition, with some wear, consistent with their age. There are some small dents, especially at the back of the settings.
Please note that this store is based in the EU. Buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties and VAT.