Antique late Victorian - Art Nouveau earrings ear pendants. 18k gold and platinum with diamonds. Made in France late 1800's to early 1900's.
Independent appraisal available to new owner.
Measurements:
Weight is 4.4 grams. Length approximately 1 1/8 inches (just under 3cm). Larger diamonds approximately 0.40ct each.
Description :
Earrings each consist of of a pair of diamonds seperated by a long bar of platinum and gold, joined by small links. Joined to a comfortable wire system with lever back clasp and a gold chain connecting lower section to bottom of clasp.
The upper diamonds are very small and like their larger counterparts, which form the drops, they are held in an openwork cage system of prongs, backed in gold. The loops joining the diamonds to the long bar are in platinum. The bar is mainly platinum, but with gold lining the back. The gold wire and clasp are joined at the bottom to a gold chain, which not only adds security, but adds visual interest as the drops swing and sway as the wearer moves.
Very good quality and great visual appeal. Versatile - can be worn to a picnic in your jeans, to work, or to a party. Suitable for every person and every occasion.
Dormeuse earrings were the basis of every jewelry collection and for the lucky person who can find them, still are. See Story below.
Marks and Metal:
Owl and masked man marks - French for 18k gold and platinum.
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.
THE STORY:
Dormeuse earrings literally translates to 'sleepers' in English. The idea was that these earrings are so comfortable that one never needs to remove them. This pair of earrings is both comfortable and highly attractive. French dormeuse earrings usually consist of an upper, smaller surmount, a connection of some sort and the drop. In this case, each section is superior - with the long, strong bar, the larger diamonds being almost half a carat each and the general workmanship.
For hundreds of years, diamonds were set in white metal to show them off to better effect in candle or gas light. For centuries, this metal was silver, but about the turn of the century (to the 1900's), platinum became the metal of choice, because of its appearance, strength, greater versatility and of course, it does not tarnish as silver does.
If I had to personally choose one pair of earrings, these would be very high up on my list.
