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Pair of early Empire (Georgian), poissarde earrings. 18K gold, silver, enamel and gem earrings. Made in France, late 18th - early 19th century (1790 - 1830).
Total length of earring is approx 1 3/8 inches.
Pair of genuine early poissarde earrings. 18K gold, garnet, silver and enamel. Made in France, early 19th century.
Total length of earring is approx 1 3/8 inches.
Typical early French poissarde earrings formed with oval backs, - going through the ear from back to front, and supported in the center by an s-curve. The front, visible portion is a long panel of chased, repousse, 18 carat gold. Three enclosures have raised silver settings in the form of flowers. In the center of each is an old garnet (tested as garnet with Presidium Duotester). Often gems in poissarde earrings are paste and not genuine stones. The central flower has a ring of bright blue enamel petals.
clearly marked with ram's head mark (belier) and another hallmark, which is possibly an old maker's mark. Ram's head places earrings clearly in the period around 1800. Please see 'photos.
It appears that the earrings had flaps or wings on the sides, but these have largely broken off over the last 200 years. There are slight vestiges, which we are leaving as is. (see 'photos). The fronts of the earrings are in good condition.
These Georgian poissarde earrings are almost impossible to find and this pair is particularly attractive and elegant. .
Poissarde are named for the fishwives of Paris. The story is that this is what they wore during the First Empire period (the time of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine Bonaparte). Perhaps the name refers to the S-shaped gold wire that typifies the back of the earrings and was probably designed to support the hoops.
Poissarde earrings are better known in France, where they are all-but impossible to find. We have discovered that in fact, they were also made in other areas of Europe such as Italy.
