Antique Georgian Poissarde Hoop Earrings Gold Silver Diamonds Pearls 18C (7223)

Antique Georgian poissarde hoop earrings. 18k gold, silver, diamonds and tiny seed pearls. Made in France, mid 1700's to circa 1780.

Measurements: Weight is 7.5 grams. A little over 1 1/4 inches (3.5cm) long.

Description : Oval hoops with the fronts set with small diamonds held in silver, according to the tradition of setting diamonds in silver over gold to show them off to better effect. The center of each earring with a daisy-like flower having a tiny diamond center and each petal formed from a tiny seed pearl. Beautiful, minute workmanship. The metal that holds the gems is crimped and ridged for additional security and aesthetic effect. Extremely fine workmanship that could never be reproduced today.
Diamonds are a mixture of table and rose-cuts (some flat and some slightly faceted).
The earrings are inserted back to front with the catch at the front, as was the norm during the Georgian and Victorian periods. (they go through the back of the earlobe). A sturdy hinge allows the upper wire at the back to move wide open and then catch shut. Round gold loops on the upper surface of the wires were once used to thread ribbons that helped hold the earrings without weighing down the earlobes.
Poissarde earrings have become almost impossible to find. They were originally worn by the fishmongers of Paris, after whom they are named. On the rare occasion that we do see them, they are usually set with paste. These earrings are set with real diamonds. Quite an exceptional and fabulous rare pair of French earrings.

Marks and Metal: There are two hallmarks on the gold wires of each earring. They are not entirely legible, but one of them is believed to be a French leaf mark used in the 18th century.  
The gold was also electronically tested to ensure metal purity and is at least 18k gold.

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.