In the very early 1800’s during the age of the Napoleonic Wars, the aristocracy and the rich relinquished their gold and other precious items, for the war effort. As often the case, economic vagaries resulted in design changes in the decorative arts.

For jewelry, wafer-thin gold in profile, and maximum presence from the front were artfully employed. Less certainly appeared like more.

Scarce, these Georgian earrings epitomize this gracious style favored around 1810. So elegant in form and shape, the elements are comprised of 10k gold (with 14k gold later wires). Construed in three parts, the entire earring moves and sways as you do.

Handmade chains drape from the surmount and attach at the middle drop, then again near the end. Chains of this type were frequently found in earrings of the period, often adorning the outer areas of the sections.

Gold filigree work spirals through the surmount and elongated diamond-shaped middle. Natural saltwater pearls embellish the middle and one at the bottom (cultured).

See the book, "Earrings from Antiquity to the Present" by Amanda Triossi and Daniella Mascetti on pages 90 and 91 for similar examples.