Antique Rose Cut Diamond Chandelier Earrings

$9,220.00

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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 offer free, fully insured worldwide shipping on every order, sent by a secure and trackable service. You will receive a shipping confirmation email with your tracking number, and we aim to dispatch within one working day.

UK: Royal Mail Special Delivery, next working day.

United States: always DHL Express, typically 1–2 business days.

Rest of the world: DHL Express for orders over £400; Royal Mail International Tracked for orders under £400.

Full details are in our shipping policy.
RETURNS
Buying antique jewellery online can feel daunting, so we offer a no-hassle returns policy. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, get in touch within 30 days of receipt for a full refund, no questions asked.
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs, and items must be returned in their original condition. Full details are in our returns policy.

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.

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

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