Object Description
A magnificent pair of Georgian diamond drop earrings c.1800, each earring set to the top with an old European brilliant cut diamond in a cut down collet setting surrounded by a frame of smaller old cut brilliants, beneath which is a single diamond in a finely articulated mount, suspending a drop formed of an old cut pear shaped diamond surrounded by a frame of smaller old cut brilliants, all in cut down collet settings in silver, with gold hook earring fittings. These showstopper earrings have survived over two hundred years in remarkable condition. The diamonds are beautifully bright and lively and the articulation is finely crafted meaning the drops swing very freely as the wearer moves, catching the light and reflecting it onto the face. It is rare to find pieces like this from this period that have not been amended or altered in any way. Whilst we don’t know their origin story, these earrings would most certainly have been acquired and worn by a woman of substance and have no doubt seen some wonderful sights and been present at numerous glittering occasions.
Period
Georgian, circa 1800
Gemstones
Total diamond weight for the earrings estimated at 25.4cts, comprised of the following…
2 x pear shape diamonds estimated to weigh approximately 8.1cts together
2 x old European cut diamonds estimated to weigh approximately 4.4cts together
48 x old mine cut and old European cut diamonds estimated to weigh an approximate combined total of 12.9cts
Setting
Silver and gold
Weight
16.4 grams
Dimensions
Earrings 5.4cm / 2.12″ long (not including fittings) and 2cm / 0.78″ wide
Condition
Very fine