A wearable length, these gloriously rich-looking gold earrings are characteristic of designs during the years around 1830-1840.

Often termed the torpedo earring, the hair of the time was upswept, the bodices were lower, and that was an ideal combination for long earrings to show off the neck.

Adding to their medium length is the additional holy grail of earrings, their original tops. Unfortunately, most antique earrings (the older the truer) have lost their original tops or surmounts.

Too often we see just a plain, modern shepherd's hook ear wire with a dangle. But these have retained their leaf motif, and textured top, and only the back-to-front ear wires have been converted.

This foliate design matches the billowy garland of leaves that encircles the lower area of the hollow drop. Tiny wire work and add their touch.

At the bottom, a frill of gold and an articulated orb sways. In high-carat gold (they test between 15-18k), they are most likely English in origin.