Antique Victorian Napoleon III earrings long ear pendants. 18k yellow gold, pearls, amethysts. Made in France, circa 1880.
Measurements:
Weight is 5.4 grams. Approximately 2 inches (5cm) long, not including wires.
Description :
Long, elegant earrings in a striking combination of bright yellow gold, purple amethyst and white pearl detail. Full of fine design and detail and full of movement. Surmounts in the form of a gold openwork flower with a small pearl in its center. Loops connect to wires and to gold beads. Beneath this is the main body of the earrings - also flower form with gently curved lobes. Each notch/indentation of the lobes is set with a round pearl. The outer edges adorned with asymmetric s-scrolls. Tiny bright-cut engraving in swags leads to a ring of exquisitely fine repousse work - minutely detailed flowers in a ring, surrounding the central mount of gold borders, both plain and rope-twist. Within, rising to the apex of the dome is a bright purple amethyst, set in its centre with a small pearl.
Loops attach to a wirework flower matching that of the surmount, also set in its centre with a pearl and then finally, to a swinging gold bead.
This is absolutely classic Napoleon III, classic French work of the 2nd half of the 19th century. Exquisite workmanship, design and overall effect. Relatively light, they are easy to insert and comfortable to wear.
Bottoms with a repousse gold bow with the ribbons folding over itself and set with a pearl.
Marks and Metal:
loops connecting earrings to wires have hallmarks. Wires also have hallmarks (owl for 18k gold).
Condition:
Good with minor wear commensurate with age - a few tiny dings to gold beads. Some dark areas can be gently cleaned off with a soft cloth. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III was considered by many to be Europe's greatest beauty and fashion trend-setter par excellence. This pair of earrings was made during the height of her influence, at a time when French jewellers leapt ahead of their counterparts world-wide to become the Best of the Best. If we look at the fine details, superb craftsmanship and undating style, we can't but agree. Think of the soirees, evening parties where the brightest minds mixed royalty, art, culture and above all - feminine beauty. These earrings were made to shine then and they will continue to do so 150 years and more later. You can become a part of history. A link in a chain of elegance and grace as befitted the generations of women who have owned and worn these exceptional ear pendants.
