These 19th Century earrings are colourful and fun, as so many Victorian jewels are! They are designed to resemble a garter, with a blue enameled sash, and a buckle set with several table-cut almandine garnets.
In Medieval times, a period before the use of buttons, garters were often used to hold up pieces of clothing. The most prestigious Knightly order, the Order of the Garter, thanks its name to a malfunctioning garter. Legend says that King Edward III of England named the Knightly order - which was founded in 1348 - after an incident in which the garter of the Countess of Salisbury slipped from her leg while she was dancing at a court ball. When the surrounding attendees snickered at this faux pas, the king picked it up and returned it to her, exclaiming, "Honi soit qui mal y pense!" ('Shame on him who thinks ill of it!'), the phrase that became the motto of the Order.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: each garter measures 21 x 20 mm.
Weight: Combined weight 6.87 grams.
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1870s.
Material: Hallmarked for 18k gold.
Condition: These earrings are in antique condition, with some wear, consistent with their age. The blue enamel is still in great condition with no damages. Several of the garnets appear to have been reset: one was replaced in the past by a ruby.
Please note that this store is based in the EU. Buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties and VAT.