Delicate Earrings in Gold, Silver, and Diamonds, Normandy, c. 1780 and Later

From the World of Marie Antoinette

Delicate Earrings in Gold, Silver, and Diamonds, Normandy, c. 1780 and Later

€ 980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

During the Rococo period, diamond jewellery was in high demand but extremely rare. Even the newly discovered diamond deposits in Brazil could barely keep pace with the ever-increasing demand, causing the price of these luxurious stones to rise steadily. The components used to craft this pair of earrings date back to this opulent era—more specifically, the second half of the 18th century. Delicate tendrils and blossoms form a pair of drop earrings mounted on simple, flexible hooks. The pieces are constructed from individual components that were subsequently assembled. The surface of this filigree pair is richly set with small, shimmering diamonds. The stones, cut in simple, historic rose cut diamonds, are set in closed mirror settings made partly of silver and partly of gold. Their luster is much softer than that of modern stones, and they shimmer velvety in the light. Practical hooks make wearing these large drop earrings—which, despite their size, are surprisingly lightweight—particularly easy and comfortable. We believe that the openwork, diamond-set pieces were originally part of a necklace and were only converted into earrings during the 20th century. Slight traces of alteration on the backs of the pieces suggest this. As it stands, however, these beautiful, original 18th-century pieces have once again become wearable, and the pair exudes the spirit of its era—one devoted to sensual pleasures—allowing us to dream of the world of Marie Antoinette. For dating, compare this very similar piece of jewellery with another similar piece of jewellery in: Ginny Redington Dawas/Olivia Collings, *Georgian Jewelry 1714–1830* (Woodbridge, 2007), pp. 152ff.

Size & Details

From the World of Marie Antoinette

€ 980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

We want you to be 100% satisfied! For that reason, we examine, describe and photograph all of our jewellery with the utmost care.

You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

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From the World of Marie Antoinette

Earrings

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