Georgian Day Night Turquoise Earrings

Jewelers of the late 18th and early 19th century saw a decline in the availability of gold and precious gems. Ingenious artisans that they were, these Georgian alchemists were able to transform thin gold wire into gorgeous lace-like patterns of floral, bead scroll and rosette designs.

Demonstrating perhaps some of the best tenets of jewelry of this era, these 18k yellow gold day night earrings present wonderfully complex and ornate cannetille work of complete florets in a bell-shaped double drop form. Although typically very long, these Georgian earrings are the perfect medium length. The removable bottom drop is suspended from a round surmount of intricate twisted gold wire work, florets and beads surrounding a central natural turquoise cabochon. Original back to front ear wires compliment the surmount.

The bottom drop consists of three layers of gold work, each suspended below the other like the clapper of a bell. The top tier has three types of hanging elements: one long gold, one shorter gold and one embellished with natural turquoise. The subsequent tier has small dangling gold drops. Although appearing difficult to wear, these are remarkably light in weight, responsive to movement and versatile.

Condition: Good. The bottommost drop was originally crafted with 12 small dangles—currently one earring has 9 drops and the other 8. On the second level one earring is lacking one tiny orb drop in the back; otherwise excellent. None of these missing elements is apparent to the viewer as the construction of these earrings is so complex.

Measurements: More than 2-1/8 inches (5.4 cm) in total length and more than ½ of an inch (1.4 cm) at the widest. This pair of antique earrings has a weight of 14.1 grams.

Date: Circa 1830