This cute ensemble consists of a pair of earrings and a pendant, each decorated with a tiny cut-steel butterfly.
Cut-steel was a novelty material in the 18th Century. Tiny steel rivets would be polished and hammered into place individually to create a bright sparkle, faintly mirroring the appearance of diamonds.
A lot of these designs are surprising to our modern eye because they combine the 'cold' steel with whimsical designs that depict elements of nature, such as animals and flowers, or in this case, little butterflies.
Since the rivets are made from steel, lots of cut-steel jewels from the 18th and early 20th century have unfortunately been damaged by rust, making antique cut-steel jewels quite difficult to find.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: The earrings are 28 mm long from hook to end: each butterfly measures 12x12 mm.
Weight: Combined 2.87 grams.
Age: 18th Century, circa 1760s.
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor signs of wear, consistent with age.
Please note that the antique box is intended for display purposes only. 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 duties.