Antique Georgian Earrings Cannetille 15k Gold Pearls Paste Day Night (6286)

Antique Georgian earrings / ear pendants. 15k yellow gold, pearls and paste. Made circa 1820 in England.

 

Measurements: Approximately 1 3/4 inches (3.5cm) long. Combined weight 9.8 grams. 

Description: Surmount of faceted, clear paste (imitation gems) surrounded by fine gold wirework floral cannetille filigree frame and inner circle of tiny natural pearls. The surmounts can be worn alone by day and the drops added for a much richer look at night. Hence the term day/night or top/drop earrings. A loop is suspended from the wires of the earrings and a pair of gold chains divert from the loop. They are connected on either side to the drop. Drop is round in shape and also has a central faceted paste gem surrounded by a ring of small pearls and then beautiful cannetille filigree flowers in gold. Unusually, the drops are identical on back and front and the maker went to the trouble and expense of making the same cannetille wire work and paste settings on both sides. 

Original ear wires with little loops on the back that may have been used to connect with a ribbon or other hair ornament. It is rare to find earrings of this age with the original wires - usually they are replaced. Wires go from back to front of ear lobe as was the case until the 20th century. 

Marks: No marks as is to be expected. Gold was acid tested to ensure metal purity. 

Condition: good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.