Three Parts Gold = One Sexy Earring

During the 1840s a unique style of long drop earring arose to suit upswept hair styles and lower dress bodices. Often referred to as torpedo shaped earrings, they were usually hollow in construction. The Iberians followed suit and this example is long, sensuous and shimmering in 12k yellow gold.

In three parts: a top lacy and ornate surmount joins with an abstracted bow motif and two side drops and, finally, the slinky bottom drop. For very similar examples please refer to “Five Centuries of Jewellery, National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon” on page 152.

Condition: Very good; later modern 14k gold ear wires with some small traces of old silver solder (from a previous change of ear wires over the decades); light wear overall. Two tiny air holes at the bottom of the torpedo drops are part of the casting process.

Measurements: Very long and sexy at a length of 3-5/8 inches (9.2 cm) with the ear wire and 3-1/2 inches (8.5 cm) without by 3/4 of an inch (1.9 cm) at the widest. This pair of antique earrings has a weight of 9 grams.

Date & Origin: Circa 1850 – 1860 and is Spanish or Portuguese in origin.