Antique Rose Cut Diamond Earrings

£4,800

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A remarkable pair of early 19th-century diamond chandelier earrings, possibly of Peranakan origin, set throughout with rose-cut diamonds in closed-back gold settings. Each earring contains 122 diamonds — 244 in total — with an estimated combined diamond weight of approximately 4cts.

The earrings are formed as elaborate openwork chandeliers, with articulated sections designed to move gently when worn. This movement was an important part of their effect: rose-cut diamonds, particularly in closed-back settings, were intended to catch and flicker in candlelight. The design is richly foliate, with smaller flower-head and grape-bunch motifs appearing within the larger framework. Their length also reflects early 19th-century fashion, when upswept hair and lower necklines created space for dramatic pendant earrings.

The fittings and uppermost sections were later added by the French firm Mécan and are struck with the French eagle-head mark for 18K gold. The lower sections test as approximately 8–9K gold. The later alteration has been carefully handled, with the colour, cut and setting style of the added diamonds chosen to blend with the earlier work, while also giving the earrings secure, wearable modern closures.

Condition is excellent overall. All stones are securely set, with one small diamond missing from one grape-bunch motif, not immediately noticeable when worn. The earrings measure approximately 7cm long and 2.3cm wide at their widest point, with a combined weight of 22.34g.

A rare and highly decorative pair of antique rose-cut diamond chandelier earrings; substantial, wearable, and full of the movement and candlelit brilliance that made this form so desirable in the early 19th century.
VICTORIAN JEWELLERY - 1837-1901

The Victorian era was a period of great change and innovation in the world of jewellery. Spanning from 1837 to 1901, the era witnessed an explosion of styles from romantic and sentimental to Gothic and grotesque. The use of jet, onyx, and coral in mourning jewellery became popular after the death of Prince Albert in 1861. The discovery of diamond mines in South Africa in 1867 led to an increase in the use of diamonds in jewellery, as well as the popularity of more elaborate gemstone cuts such as the cushion, rose, and old mine cuts.
Victorian jewellery was also notable for its use of complex symbolism, such as snake motifs that represented eternal love or the use of flowers to convey hidden meanings. The jewellery made in this era featured the finest materials and was made by highly skilled craftsmen, making it some of the most desirable antique jewellery for its unique charm and fine quality.
DELIVERY
We are pleased to offer free worldwide shipping on all our orders. We dispatch all items via a secure and trackable delivery service providing full insurance for your item.
You will receive a shipping confirmation email after purchase with your tracking number so that you know your order is on its way. We aim to dispatch all items within 1-2 working days.
For UK delivery, we send with Royal Mail Special Delivery. For International orders over £1000 we use DHL Express International, and for orders under £1000 we use Royal Mail International Tracked.
You can find more information about our shipping policy here.
RETURNS
We understand that purchasing antique jewellery online can be a daunting task, which is why we offer a no-hassle returns policy. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply get in touch within 30 days of receipt for a full refund, no questions asked.
Conditions: Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. All items are to be returned in their original condition.
You can find more information about our returns policy here.

Details

A remarkable pair of early 19th-century diamond chandelier earrings, possibly of Peranakan origin, set throughout with rose-cut diamonds in closed-back gold settings. Each earring contains 122 diamonds — 244 in total — with an estimated combined diamond weight of approximately 4cts.

The earrings are formed as elaborate openwork chandeliers, with articulated sections designed to move gently when worn. This movement was an important part of their effect: rose-cut diamonds, particularly in closed-back settings, were intended to catch and flicker in candlelight. The design is richly foliate, with smaller flower-head and grape-bunch motifs appearing within the larger framework. Their length also reflects early 19th-century fashion, when upswept hair and lower necklines created space for dramatic pendant earrings.

The fittings and uppermost sections were later added by the French firm Mécan and are struck with the French eagle-head mark for 18K gold. The lower sections test as approximately 8–9K gold. The later alteration has been carefully handled, with the colour, cut and setting style of the added diamonds chosen to blend with the earlier work, while also giving the earrings secure, wearable modern closures.

Condition is excellent overall. All stones are securely set, with one small diamond missing from one grape-bunch motif, not immediately noticeable when worn. The earrings measure approximately 7cm long and 2.3cm wide at their widest point, with a combined weight of 22.34g.

A rare and highly decorative pair of antique rose-cut diamond chandelier earrings; substantial, wearable, and full of the movement and candlelit brilliance that made this form so desirable in the early 19th century.

About the Era

Delivery & Returns

OUR PROMISE

We will always guarantee the authenticity of every piece we sell

We offer a no questions asked 30-day return policy on all orders

All our items are sent boxed and gift wrapped with free global insured shipping

We examine, describe and photograph all our jewellery with the utmost care

Ravensbury Antiques

Ravensbury Antiques

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