Antique Georgian earrings ear pendants Girandole gold garnets 18th century(7416)

Antique Georgian earrings ear pendants. Gold, garnets. Made 18th century. Origin possibly French, but most likely Italian (see below).

Measurements: Weight is 14.6 grams. Length 2 1/4 inches (5.75cm).

Description : Girandole earrings, light and airy with scrolling gold wire-work combining to form the classic bow-form of such earrings. The gold is set with very simply cut garnets in gold colettes, closed at the back, which adds to their red color. The sections are connected via ribbon-like loops that allow the various parts to move independently of one another. With every slight movement of the wearer, each part will swing and sway, resulting in a wonderful sense of movement.
When we look at the backs, we can see the floral theme of the earrings - flowers and foliage, engraved by hand with simple linear detail for the most part and a cross-hatched pattern on the center of the upper section. We also see fascinating hand-made joints, which give us a great insight into the way very old jewelry was made.
Original wires are very rarely found in antique jewelry. Here, we have the original wires, hinged at their bottoms and curing to go through the ear lobe from back to front.
It is rare to find earrings that are over 200 years old in such good, original condition.

Marks and Metal: As is to be expected, there are no hallmarks on these earrings. We electronically tested the gold, with varying results, also typical of jewellery of this period. Lowest purity is 14k (higher in some areas).

Condition: Good with minor wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

Girandole earrings were made throughout Europe during the 18th century. Iberian (Spanish and Portuguese) earrings were so big and heavy that they were held up by ribbons, tied to the hair.
These earrings are way lighter, airier, finer and detailed. While we cannot pinpoint the exact origin, they could easily have been made in either Italy or France.
Girandole earrings are often very large with an upper, bow-like section; a mid-section that forms the knot of the bow and finally 3 drops of graduated length with the longest in the center.