Antique Victorian Napoleon III earrings Day Night ear pendants. Gold, silver, diamonds, silver. Made circa 1880-90's. Imported to and hallmarked in France.
Measurements:
Weight is 13.7 grams. Length is 2 inches (5cm) not including the wires.
Description :
Known as Day - Night or Top - Drop earrings because the components can be separated and the tops worn for a simpler day time look and the entire earring worn for a more glamorous look at night.
Botanic theme. Both top and bottom are flower form with the tops echoing the design of the larger drops in slightly simplified form. Outer gold beaded border encloses a ring of pearls - almost certainly natural in that era. Within the pearl circle is a collet of silver set with a central diamond surrounded by a circle of rose cut diamonds.
A small gold loop connects the tops to the rest of the earrings. A middle section of gold filigree - bright yellow gold beaded openwork foliage fans out to enclose a flower similar to that described above, but bigger and raised above a scalloped gold filigree and beaded outer petal form that raises it above the level of the rest of the earring.
Behind the diamond section of both top and drop is a small nut and bolt. At the time it was popular to make transformative/versatile jewelry, so presumably, these pieces could be replaced with something else or used in another jewel.
Exquisite workmanship. The drops swing and sway as the wearer moves, catching the eye of the observer and adding interest.
The top section easily unhooks from the wires to separate the upper and lower portion of the earrings.
Simple gold wires are easy to insert and comfortable to wear.
Highly fashionable earrings crafted in glowing gold and accented with diamonds and pearls. A chic top‑drop design that transitions effortlessly from day to evening, finished with authentic French hallmarks for Parisian sophistication. The combination of gold, pearls and diamonds combine luxury and romance.
Marks and Metal:
Fittings on back and loops that connect surmount to drops with French shell and swan mark for 14k gold and silver respectively.
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.
THE STORY:
Earrings of this caliber were made to adorn a wealthy beauty. My guess is that the earrings were made in Italy, but their exact birthplace is lost to time. Their quality was high enough to be imported into France, the epicenter of fashion and sophistication in the late 19th century. They carry that legacy of beauty and refinement effortlessly today. Suitable for anyone who appreciates antique charm, they are especially enchanting as bridal jewelry, where their history and romance can shine anew.
