Antique Georgian Earrings Gold Portraits Man Woman French 18-19C (6391)

Antique Georgian earrings long ear pendants. 18k yellow and red gold and verre eglomise portraits. Made in France late 18th to early 19th century - during the Consulate and First Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Measurements: Approximately 2 1/4 inches (5.75cm) long. Weigh 10.3 grams.

Description : Classic Georgian Empire style long ear pendants. Earrings combine large components with very fine and delicate workmanship. Bead surmount supports an oval upper section. Border of filigree gold scroll work with a bold inner red gold ribbon border surrounding an eglomise plaque featuring a portrait of a woman in profile. A gold bar with a golden globe hangs from the center bottom of this section and on either side of it is a delicate gold chain leading to a larger rectangular plaque. The format of the plaque is the same as that of ovals above: filigree outer border and bold matte frame around an eglomise portrait of a gentleman. Portraits in black and gold. Central bead swings independently as does the lower plaque, allowing for a lovely sense of movement in addition to the subtle, understated and elegant geometric shapes. Despite wear to the eglomise portraits, the earrings are very beautiful and as wearable today as they were 200 years ago. The fine filigree and red gold combination are highly attractive and extremely attractive.

Eglomise is a technique of 'painting' gold and enamel on the back of glass plaques.

Marks: French hallmarks on the wires.

Condition: Generally good with minor wear commensurate with age. There is loss and wear to the gold and enamel portraits (in particular one of the women). Wires and gold beads are most likely replacements of the late 19th century. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.