In an archaeological or Etruscan Revival mood, these antique Victorian earrings date to around 1870 and express a distinctive moment in jewellery history; the inspiration in design and revival of ancient jewellery making techniques based upon ancient Etrurian jewels uncovered in excavations in Italy and shewn in museums.
Fashioned with great delicacy, they are beautifully light in construction they encompass a range of techniques such as fine wirework and carefully hand applied and soldered elements. The joyfully warm pink Almandine Garnets and acid green Chrysoberyl gems are typical of those popular at the time and we see them representing the juiciness of the grape below vine leaves. Of mellow coloured 15ct yellow Gold (a standard used solely in Britain between the years of 1854-1932) the earwires are most likely a recent change from the original fittings.
Please note there is some small damage to the base of one of the earrings (they are of hollow construction) but this doesn't despoil of their beauty and wearability. They measure 5cm from the top of the wires; the drops themselves 4cm.