These cluster earrings are each set with a cushion-cut paste gemstone, topped by a tiny round-cut paste. The smallest cushion-cut measures 7 x 7 mm and the larger one 7.5 x 7.5 mm.
Each stone has been placed in a closed silver setting, as was traditionally done with diamonds, too. These settings have been decorated with an open-worked border at the back. The earrings are fitted with leverback closures that close in the front, as is typical for earrings of this period.
They are super similar in design but vary ever so slighty, and the paste stones also have slightly different dimensions. Therefore, I suspect that this pair has been cleverly put together from two single earrings: luckily, this will barely be noticeable when you wear them!
The term 'paste' is now generally used for a specific type of faceted glass gemstones that was developed by George Friedrich Strass in the 1720s. Glass material has been used in jewellery since glass was invented millennia ago, but Strass experimented with the lead content and created a recipe that created a brilliance that replicated diamonds. This not only gave ladies a more affordable option to diamond jewellery, but it also allowed jewellery designers the chance to create outspoken, elaborate designs that were more difficult to make with natural diamonds.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 17 x 9 x 12 mm.
Weight: Combined 3.65 grams.
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1840s.
Material: Hallmarked with French hallmarks for 18k gold: the settings are made from silver.
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with age. One of the tiny paste stones on top of the central stone has discoloured: this can be seen in the pictures.
Please note that the antique box is 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 taxes.