These earrings are what the French refer to as a 'marriage', or the joining of two separate parts. The pear-shaped drops at the bottom of these earrings provide a beautiful match with the rose-cut diamond-encrusted closures.
The drops are each set with a tear-shaped rose-cut diamond, each measuring approximately 7 x 4 mm and an approximate estimate weight of 0.35 ct each, encircled by a halo of round rose-cut diamonds. These diamonds are set in open settings, allowing light to pass through the stones. The closures are decorated with a single rose-cut diamond in a closed setting, which was the more traditional way of setting diamonds.
The closures are fashioned in a way that was typical for the 19th Century, with a tension hook with a pointy end which thread through your lobe from the back and closes in the front. In my experience, it can take a bit of getting used to if you have not worn antique earrings in this style. But once you get the hang of putting them on this way, they are very comfortable to wear.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 28 x 11 mm.
Weight: Combined 2.75 grams.
Age: 19th Century, circa 1860s.
Material: Acid-tested as 12k gold hooks with 18k gold drops.
Condition: The earrings are in good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with their age.
Please note that this shop is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import taxes.