Mutability in antique jewelry was a built-in characteristic in many designs in centuries past.

These enchanting earrings look as if they have come down to us out of a fairy tale. Termed "day night", the bottom dangle may be removed so that these may either be worn long, or short.

Entirely of 15k yellow gold, they date circa 1820 when the object was to use a minimal amount of gold to the maximum effect. Gold was exceedingly scarce due to the Napoleonic Wars; thus, jewelers did their utmost with what they had.

This resulted in two techniques, one no longer used today of cannetille; and another granulation rarely employed in modern jewelry (see below).

Glorious spun gold and granulation create surfaces with texture, high polished orbs, wire spirals and a fanciful look. Textured gold leaves also divide the top from the drop.

Ultra-light yet impressive, these two-part earrings still retain their original back to front ear wires. Versatility galore—casual in the daytime; more formal for the evenings.

Note: Cannetille is the use of ultra-fine wire looped and built up in beehives and scrolling shapes. Granulation is a technique whereby tiny drops or beads of gold are applied to a surface without the use of solder. Both are exceedingly time consuming, exacting, and difficult.