Antique Georgian earrings poissarde gold diamonds silver 18th century (7285)

Antique Georgian earrings poissarde ear hoops. Gold, silver, diamonds. Made 18th century, Sicily.

Measurements: Weight is 13.3 grams. Hoops, not including the wires measure 1 3/4 inches (4.75cm) long.

Description : Classic poissarde earrings. The main body of the earring is a half hoop in the form of a broad, flat, band. It is composed of parallel lines of silver-set diamonds, separated by an arching band of gold. As was traditional at the time, diamonds were set in silver to show them off to better effect in gas or candle light. The back arcs are gold wires/ribbons, forking at the bottom into a v-shape. In the center is a curving S-Shape for additonal support. This is the form that is known as "poissarde", named after the fish-wives of Paris. Poissarde earrings are normally associated with French women, but this pair of earrings comes originally from Sicily.
As was also common with earrings of the 18th century, a ring/loop of gold is attached at the top. A ribbon or chain was threaded through the loopand attached behind the ear, to the hair, in order to hold the weight of the earrings off the earlobe.
The earrings click closed and the wires go from back to front, typical of the period.

Poissarde earrings are extremely rare and highly sought after today. This is a lovely, wearable pair with diamonds, very unusual and literally, a cut above the rest.

Marks and Metal: No marks, as is to be expected of earrings of this age. We tested the gold multiple times electronically and with acid. It tests as 14k in most areas, but as 18k in some areas. This is quite common with very old jewelry when standards of assaying and were not as stringent as today and individual goldsmiths provided gold.

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