Antique Victorian Earrings 18k Gold Amethysts Pearls Elegant Girandole (6909)

Description

Antique Victorian Earrings 18k Gold Amethysts Pearls Elegant Girandole (6909)
Antique Victorian earrings / ear pendants. 18k yellow gold, amethysts and small pearls. Made 1860 - 1880, almost certainly in the United Kingdom. 

Measurements: Weight is 5.2 grams. Length is a little over 1 1/2 inches (4cm).
Description : Highly wearable, elegant earrings with strong, clean design. Full of movement, subtle, understated elegance and interest.
Victorian version of girandole earrings with subtle Etruscan Revival features. The surmounts are circles with minute, very fine bright-cut engraving, barely visible to the naked eye. They connect via a vertical pearl-studded gold band to an inverted U or horse-shoe shape with extending square gold terminals. The ribbon of pearls suspends a round amethyst that falls exactly between the square terminals of the U shape that surrounds it on 3 sides. Beneath the square terminals of the U shape are elongated torpedo shapes of gold that are suspended via loops enabling them to swing and sway freely as the wearer moves. Beneath the amethyst within the U-shape are loops and a tiny pearl that suspend a central, elongated tear-shaped, amethyst drop, lightly faceted and ending in a gold sphere or ball. This gold globule and the tiny engraving of the surmounts are subtle hints of the Etruscan style, popular at the time.

  Amethysts are of a lovely purple color that contrasts nicely with the gold. The round and pear shapes of the amethysts are cleverly echoed by the gold work of the surmount and dangling gold drops on either side. Amethysts are well-matched.
Design is very sophisticated without being heavy or overly serious. The play of color and sense of movement add to the attraction of these lovely earrings.
Gold wires are easy to insert and comfortable to wear.
Marks and Metal: No marks. Gold was acid tested as 18k.
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.
NOTE: Girandole earrings were widely worn during the 18th century. They were heavier and more cumbersome than these earrings, which are a much lighter, stylised version of girandole earrings, expressing the greater technical ability and sophistication of the later Victorians.
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If for any reason at all you are not completely happy with your purchase, please return the item.  Please ship within 2 days of receiving your item unless otherwise agreed with us. We would appreciate it if you notify us in advance, and explain the reason for the return.  Please pack carefully to ensure the item reaches us in the same condition it left here and don't forget to insure and track properly.
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OVERSEAS: Note:
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Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer?s responsibility. Please check with your country?s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. Thank you
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