Antique Georgian earrings gold cannetille crystal paste drop dangle holiday(7495)

Antique late Georgian earrings. Gold and crystal paste. Made in England circa 1820-1830's. 

Measurements:

 Weight is 6.4 grams. Length, not including wires is 1 1/2 inches (4cm).  

Description :

 Pine cone shape fully in the round exquisitely hand set with Old European cut crystals joined in lines and rows that taper from the wide, round tops to the tips of the cones. The spaces between the sections allows light to enter from behind and from the sides, adding to the glisten and gleam. The cones are suspended from golden cups that echo the botanical theme with petal shapes in textured gold tapering at the top to a smaller gold bell. Additional adornment in cannetille gold globules with wirework around them.   Loops connect to a surmount crystal, cushion cut like an Old Mine Diamond and held in a gallery of prongs. The wires are later replacements, easy to insert and comfortable to wear. 

Marks and Metal:

No marks. Wires are 14k. Like much antique jewelry, the gold is not homogenous and tests at different purities of gold in different areas of the earrings. At least 10k. 
     

Condition: 

Good with minor wear commensurate with age and use.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY: 

Cannetille work firmly dates these earrings to the period between 1820-30. Later cannetille work was done during the Victorian era, but it is heavier and less delicate. Cannetille was used to add a 'big look' using a minimum of precious gold. 
In previous centuries, the Georgians and Victorians delighted in novelty jewelry.  Jewelry was often figural, whether with human, animal or botanical themes (or all of the above). The Georgians in particular were adept at combining these themes with delicacy and elegance. It was a time when craftsmen took pride in what they produced, investing time and care in lavish jewelry that cannot be repeated today. 
Fully 3-dimentional jewelry is extremely rare and we have to consider that these earrings were entirely hand-made. How were they never squashed?  Today, this kind of workmanship is unthinkable. Every section has to fit exactly so that the conical form will be perfect. Another testament to the quality of the crafmanship and techniques is that these earrings are 200 years old and in such good, wearable condition. Made to shine and made to last. We can only imagine the women, generation after generation who wore these wonderful earrings, took care of them and passed them down to us. 
Was the pine cone form specifically made with autumn/winter and the holidays in mind? The neutral colors allow us to brighten up any outfit - from casual weekend jeans to a glittering party,  but they are especially suitable for the wintry seasons and for the Christmas, Hannukah, Diwali or Kwanza holidays. The crystals glow like icicles or snowflakes. What a perfect jewelry gift.