Georgian Day Night Diamond Earrings

This pair of late 18th century antique earrings are known as day night earrings. A practical and elegant idea that has unfortunately long fallen out of favor, this style of earring consists of a two element design. Typically constructed with a small surmount or top section (usually in a cluster or of a similar shape) from which is suspended a removable larger mesmeric pendant or drop. The earring may be worn in its more “diminutive form” with surmount alone or with the pendant for more formal or dramatic occasions.

The use of rose cut diamonds in pinched collets gives the setting a rather ornate look and a very Baroque feel with the use of scrolls and floral forms. Typical of many antique earrings, they were constructed to be worn in the specific right or left ear. Each earring is a mirror image of the other and frames the face with an extra touch of design flair.

The top is a flower cluster of silver set with early rose cuts. The ear wires of yellow gold are back to front or “French” wire. The pendant is a characteristic Georgian tear drop form of diamonds and silver fashioned with trails of leaves and scrolls. The backs of the earrings have a rose gold wash to protect the skin and clothes of the wearer from tarnish.

Measurements: Just shy of 2-1/8 inches (5.2 cm) in total length including ear wire with a width ranging from more than ¼ of an inch (0.7 cm) to ¾ of an inch (2 cm) at the widest. The pair weighs 13.5 grams.

Condition: Very good; one later date yellow gold ear wire fitting; one tiny diamond is missing; one drop is a tad more curved than the other (see photos); top loops of the bottom drops have been restored or reinforced.

Date: 1790 - 1800