These two round onyx panels are each set with a micro mosaic depicting a Roman ruin.
Micro mosaics like these, created from hundreds of minute glass fragments known as 'tesserae', were popular souvenirs from Rome that were purchased during a 'Grand Tour', in which Victorian youngsters would travel through Europe as part of their cultural upbringing.
Micro mosaic was used profusely in Roman art and interiors and found a revival at the end of the 18th Century, when many of these artworks were rediscovered in places such as Pompeii and Herculaneum.
I believe that the circular elements were originally part of a different jewel, maybe a bracelet. They have been fitted with modern, Italian hook fittings, making them wearable as earrings.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 38 mm long: 18 mm in diameter.
Weight: Combined 8 grams.
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1850s. The hooks are a modern addition.
Material: Acid tested and marked as 18k gold: I believe that the circular elements were originally part of a different jewel, maybe a bracelet. They have been fitted with modern, Italian hook fittings, marked for 18k gold.
Condition: These earrings are in good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with their age. The glass mosaic has a few minor damages which can be seen in the pictures, the most obvious of which is a chip in the corner of one of the top micro-mosaics: I am wearing this earring in the picture so you can see that this is luckily not very noticeable when worn.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes only.