French Garnet Antique Earrings

Artfully and beautifully crafted, 18k rose gold is paired with garnets the color of cinnamon red. The front of each earring is decorated with a trinity of three dimensional diamond shapes, each set with a trio of garnets in individual crimped flower-like bezels. In-between each plaque the chased details are apparent. Please note the characteristic S-curve shaped reinforcing wire spanning front to back. The fittings are the original French back to front ear wires. Medium in scale with a perspective that only an antique jeweler could achieve.

Condition: Very good with light wear as expected with age and use. One back has a slight bend and one bottom bend as a small crease not noticeable when worn.

Hallmarks: Eagle’s head and an illegible mark on the hoops. French hallmarks are typically on the findings or fittings of the jewelry: on the loops, “O” fittings and for rings, on the exterior of the shank.

Measurements: 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length by ¼ of an inch (0.7 cm) in width. This pair of antique earrings has a weight of 2.5 grams.

Date & Origin: Circa 1880 – 1890; French in origin.

Historical Notes: Although widespread and universal today, the hoop earring has been surprisingly on and off during the course of much of the history of jewelry. Early earrings of the ancients reveal the origins and popularity of this form, yet for centuries they were not in favor. In the earlier 19th century hoops enjoyed a resurgence alongside the poissarde style earring; similar in design, that type has a long oval hoop.