Antique Georgian Poissarde Earrings 18k Fold French late 18th-early19th C (7036)

Antique Georgian (Directoire / First Empire) poissarde earrings. 18k gold. Made in France during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, circa 1790 - 1800. Come in antique fitted box.

Measurements: Weight is 4.4 grams. Slightly under 1 1/2 inches long (3cm).

Description : Classic gold poissarde earrings. Oval in shape with the S-shaped wire that typifies this kind of earring. The fronts widen towards the top. They consist of forking borders of gold enclosing openwork of gold filigree in finely coiled loops and typical French Provincial diamond and navette shaped plaques of gold. Wires thread from back to front of the ear with a simple clasp that catches in a tiny loop at the front. A loop of gold at the back of the earrings was utilised to thread a ribbon that would be tied in the hair. Poissarde earrings were named for the Parisian fish sellers, who traditionally wore this type of earring. They are very rare and sought after today. This pair, is above average in size. They come in an antique fitted box. It is exceptionally rare to find poissarde earrings in a fitted box. We do not know whether the box was made at the same time as the earrings, but it is antique and was possibly made to fit the earrings. The box with arching, sloping top and rectangular bottom, leather embossed gold outside with a fine clasp in good working order, silk and velvet inside with place for the earrings to nestle in.

Marks and Metal: Sides with French Regional mark.

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.