Georgian Diamond Drop Earrings

Anyone familiar with auction houses or antique jewelry hunting knows that earrings are "the" prize. Hardest to obtain and most sought after, they did not seem to survive as often as other forms of jewelry. Loss, breakage and the passage of time all contribute to their downfall. Diamond earrings from the Georgian era are even more unattainable.

Rose cut diamonds are layered upon silver in these glorious three part drop earrings. All stones are set into rub over and pinched and foil backed collet mounts. They are of an enviable length of 2-1/4 inches long (5.5 cm) by 7/8 of an inch at the widest (2.2 cm). Forty-nine (49) diamonds encrust each earring. All are rose cuts except for the bottom which is a table cut (flat top and beveled sides). The largest diamond is equivalent in footprint to a .20 point diamond.

The reverse shows a typical feature of the times with the layering of rose gold atop the silver to protect skin and clothing. Later date 15k gold ear wires top the dangles. Shape here is undeniably sensual with an elongated and wide teardrop. Scrolls and flourishes fill the surface with a display of openwork shimmer.

Condition is excellent with little of note. Diamond color and shimmer varies due to age and foiling; later ear wires. Circa 1790 - 1800.