Antique French Earrings Ear clips diamonds pearls gold silver big flowers (7541)

Antique Victorian ear clips earrings. 18k gold, 800 silver, diamonds, pearls.  Made in France, 19th century.
Independent appraisal available to new owner.
 

Measurements: Weight is 19.9 grams. A tad over 1 inch wide (3cm). 3.53 carats diamonds.

Description : Large earrings - ear clips. Curving flower form. 5 complex petals - each like a butterfly wing, finely set with old mine cut diamonds coming together in the middle to a ring of diamonds on gold stalks surrounding a pearl. As was the custom during the 19th century, diamonds are set in silver over gold in order to show them off to better effect in candle or gas light. Pearls have not been tested.
Backs are replacements from the 20th century. Ear clips make the earrings much easier to wear and are suitable for anyone including someone with non-pierced ears.
Large size 

Marks and Metal: Inside of clip with owl mark (French for 18k gold of unknown origin); Top of clip marked with owl and swan (owl for 18k gold and swan for silver); Bottom outside of clip with marks that are not clearly legible and include numerals.
     

Condition: Good with minor wear commensurate with age. Ear clips are replacements - see above and 'photos.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY: These earrings were originally made during the 19th century. They were successfully adapted to suit more modern women, including women without pierced ears. They are big and therefore quite heavy, which makes them more suitable to be worn as ear clips (so as not to weigh down the ear lobes). 
Pearls might very well be natural, but have not been tested.