These incredible earrings have the most stunning pair of rose-cut diamonds I have had the pleasure of offering.
The earrings are made from 14k gold, with the diamonds set in closed silver settings. Traditionally, diamonds were set in silver to enhance their colour and brightness, while the backs of a jewel would be made in gold, to prevent the silver from tarnishing and possibly staining your skin or clothing. Read a little bit more about the history of rose-cut diamonds and how to care for them below.
The two largest rose-cuts measure 10.80 x 8.80 and 10.80 x 8.60 mm and have an estimated weight of 1.80 and 1.75 carats. Both diamonds have a lovely, bright appearance. The silver foils behind the diamonds have discoloured slightly over time, which gives them a slightly brown-greyish tone. Each diamond contains black inclusions: in one this is not very noticeable, while the largest diamond has quite a few. Before electric light, diamonds were often cut solely based on retaining as much weight as possible, and inclusions were not considered that unsightly, since they were not very noticeable in candlelight anyway. I have included a picture taken through a 15x loupe so you can see each diamond up close.
Each earring is made of three individual parts which can move freely. The tops are set with two tiny rose-cuts, from which a middle-part is suspended which is shaped like an oak leaf which is also set with rose-cut diamonds. Each earring is terminated by the large rose-cut which I have described above.
Originally these were 'mutsenbellen' and were a part of Dutch folklore jewellery: they would have hung on each side of a Dutch 'oorijzer', a gold frame that would hold the lace cap that Dutch ladies wore in place. I have converted them into earrings by adding a post, but small remnants of the pendant bales are still visible at the back, as a reminder of their original function.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 33 x 11 mm / 1.30 inches x 0.40 inches
Dimensions tear-shaped drop: 14 x 11 mm / 0.52 x 0.40 inches.
Weight: Total weight 7.90 grams.
Age: Late 19th Century, Victorian Era, circa 1880s. The posts and backs are modern and were added by me.
Material: The earrings no longer carry hallmarks but have been acid tested as being 925 silver and 14k gold.
Condition: These earrings are in good antique condition. They do not appear to have any old damages or repairs. The foils behind the diamonds have discoloured over time, which gives them a slightly greyish appearance. The posts and backs are modern and were added.
These earrings will be shipped boxed and gift wrapped.
CARE MANUAL
The rose-cut is one of the older diamond cutting shapes and consists of a domed shape with a flat back. The earliest rose-cut diamonds were cut in the 1600s, but it went on being a popular diamond shape all through the Georgian and Victorian eras, and into the early Twentieth Century.
Rose-cuts are sometimes but in a closed setting with a piece of foil placed behind them (a technique called 'foiling;) to increase their brilliance. These settings are susceptible of tarnishing when they get into contact with water, in time giving the stones a dull appearance. Therefore do not get them into contact with water, for instance by showering or swimming.
These earrings have had a gentle clean with a soft cloth, and I would advise not cleaning them in any other way: in that case, they will keep their beautiful appearance for years to come.
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Free insured worldwide shipping is included in the listing price: please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the shipment of this item.