{"title":"Antique Earrings, Brooches \u0026 Curiosities","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eEarrings, fibulas, watch chains, stickpins and the genuinely unclassifiable.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"antique-rose-cut-diamond-chandelier-earrings-19th-century-victorian-georgian-statement-dangle-drop-gold-earrings","title":"Antique Rose Cut Diamond Earrings","description":"\u003cp\u003eA spectacular pair of diamond chandelier earrings dating to the early 19th century, possibly of Peranakan origin. Each earring features 122 rose cut diamonds of varying sizes (244 in total) in rub over and closed back gold settings, weighing approximately 4ctw. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese elegant openwork chandelier shape earrings exemplify the predominant form worn during the period with areas of both sectioned and interlinked components designed to move, swish and glisten more beautifully in candlelight. They demonstrate seriously impressive craftsmanship, characterised by its openwork foliate design, golden splendour and dazzling rose cut diamonds in finely chiseled settings. The length of these earrings also accommodated the 19th century preference for upswept hair (exposing the ears) and low necklines, leaving a visual gap to be filled by a pair of statement earrings. Improved lighting during this period also increased the popularity of evening social gatherings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you look closely, smaller motifs begin to appear within the chandelier design, such as flower head motifs and bunches of grapes. I personally find that the overall shape of the earrings also take the form of a scorpion or lobster, a clever design which leaves much interpretation to the eye of the beholder. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe fittings as well as the uppermost part of the earrings were added later by the firm Mécan. The addition stamped with a French ’tête d’aigle’ (eagle head) control mark to indicate 18K gold and Paris whilst the lower part tests as 8-9K gold. The modification carefully considered the existing design, particularly the colour\/cut of diamonds and their settings in order to faithfully and subtly blend with the existing form. Thankfully, as the earring closure fitting was added more recently, you do not have to worry about the fragility of wearing an original 18th century earring fitting! The earrings are in excellent condition and all 244 stones are securely set (bar one missing on one of the small grape bunches - which is hardly noticeable). The earrings have a length of 7cm and a width of 2.3cm at its widest point. As such, they have a nice weight to them, coming in at 22.34 grams these are some seriously impressive earrings! A very rare find and would make an incredible pair of statement earrings. Please message for any more information or photos.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ravensbury Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46954514448692,"sku":"","price":5650.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6784\/5428\/products\/il_fullxfull.5014182084_1ptl.jpg?v=1732201259"},{"product_id":"antique-late-19th-century-chrysoprase-and-diamond-enamel-brooch-c-1880","title":"Antique Chrysoprase Brooch","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eA superb late 19th-century brooch, dating to circa 1880, centred with an exceptional cushion-cut natural chrysoprase of remarkable colour and translucency. The gemstone displays the prized watery, apple-green hue associated with the finest chrysoprase, animated by subtle marbling and internal veining which become especially vivid when light passes through the stone.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe 11ct chrysoprase is framed by a finely executed halo of rose-cut diamonds, their soft, silvery sparkle providing a refined contrast to the saturated green centre. Surrounding the diamond halo is a band of deep blue guilloché enamel, its engine-turned pattern adding both depth and texture; a distinctly French decorative detail characteristic of the late 19th century.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eCrafted in 18K gold throughout, the reverse retains its original pin fitting, which has undergone a professional laser repair to the hook and now secures tightly and reliably. Minor, expected losses to the enamel are present, consistent with age, but do not detract from the overall impact or quality of the piece.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThis is a highly wearable and visually striking jewel; combining a rare, high-quality chrysoprase with diamonds and enamel in a harmonious and balanced design.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe brooch weighs 6.77 grams and measures approximately 28 × 20 mm overall; the chrysoprase alone measures approximately 22 × 15 × 5 mm and is estimated at around 11 carats. The gold tests as 18K. Condition is very good for its age, with secure settings and only minor enamel wear visible under close inspection.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ravensbury Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49003861672244,"sku":"1017810241","price":2100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6784\/5428\/files\/0G2A6666-3.jpg?v=1769103421"},{"product_id":"edwardian-21k-gold-platinum-harlequin-gem-set-pendant-brooch-c-1905","title":"Edwardian Harlequin Pendant-Brooch","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eA beyond stunning antique Harlequin pendant brooch dating from the Edwardian period, circa 1905.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eCrafted in 21K gold, with platinum settings to the diamonds, the jewel takes the form of a gem-set cluster framed by diamonds in an elegant scrolled openwork formation. Two articulated drops hang freely below, giving the piece life, movement and sparkle; it is a design that feels both playful and highly refined, perfectly in keeping with Edwardian taste.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe uppermost stone is a 5.35ct natural green zircon. Beneath this, to the left, sits a 5.1ct natural orange zircon, balanced to the right by a 5.1ct cushion-cut natural yellow sapphire from Sri Lanka. Suspended below are a 3.8ct natural purple sapphire, also from Sri Lanka, and a 6.2ct natural blue topaz. All of the coloured gemstones are natural, cushion cut, and have been analysed by GCS London; there are no indications of heating or treatment. Their open-backed claw settings allow light to pass freely through the stones and make cleaning straightforward.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eFourteen diamonds, all set in platinum, form the scrolling surround and delicate connecting elements. Their bright, white scintillation provides contrast to the saturated greens, oranges, yellows, lilacs and blues of the principal stones.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eJewels of this type are often referred to as “Harlequin” jewels; the name derives from the vividly coloured chequered costume of the Harlequin character of the Commedia dell’Arte tradition, popularised in the late 16th century. In jewellery, the term has long been used to describe pieces set with an array of different coloured gemstones, and it saw particular favour in the 19th and early 20th centuries.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe piece is fitted with both a brooch pin and a hoop, allowing it to be worn as either a pendant or a brooch. Unmarked but testing as 21K gold with platinum. It weighs 11.4 grams and remains in exceptional condition, with hardly any signs of wear.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eA remarkable Edwardian Harlequin jewel; vibrant, rare, and gemmologically significant.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ravensbury Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49049941311796,"sku":"1017810265","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6784\/5428\/files\/DSC_0470-2.jpg?v=1779204460"},{"product_id":"austro-hungarian-14k-gold-silver-rose-cut-diamond-dormeuse-earrings-vienna","title":"Antique Diamond Dormeuse Earrings","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eA pair of antique 19th-century rose-cut diamond dormeuse earrings, made in Vienna during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and later retailed in France. These diamond earrings feature sprung lever-back closures, known as \"dormeuse\" settings - from the French word for \"sleeper\" - so called because they were designed to be comfortable enough to sleep in. This practical and secure fastening style became popular in Vienna and Paris in the late 19th century.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe earrings are crafted in 14K gold, with the diamonds set in silver-topped, closed-back foiled settings; a construction typical of Georgian and Victorian era diamond jewellery, where silver was used around the stones to sharpen their brightness, while gold was used for the hooks and reverse. Each earring is centred by a substantial rose-cut diamond of approximately 0.60ct, giving a total diamond weight of around 1.20ct.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe diamonds are set in crimped collets with a scalloped, crown-like edge and an open crescent gallery visible from the side. This dormeuse, or sleeper, form was widely worn in the 19th century; secure enough for regular use, yet elegant and compact on the ear. The rose cuts have the broad, irregular faceting and soft candlelit brilliance associated with antique diamonds, enhanced by the original foiling beneath. Each diamond measures approximately 6mm across, and the earrings measure around 1.2 × 1.3cm at their longest axes, with an approximate 1.5cm drop from the top of the hook.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe marks are particularly interesting. The earrings carry the Austro-Hungarian fox-head mark, \u003cstrong\u003eA4\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating Vienna and 14K gold, alongside the French \u003cstrong\u003eET\u003c\/strong\u003e import mark; \u003cem\u003eétranger\u003c\/em\u003e, used for jewellery made abroad and brought into France. Together, these marks place the earrings as Viennese-made, c.1880, and subsequently retailed in Paris. They test as 14K gold and have a combined weight of 2.16g.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe condition is very good for their age. The foiled closed-back settings remain intact, the diamonds are secure, and the lever-back sleeper fittings close firmly. Light surface wear is present to the gold and silver settings, consistent with age, but the earrings remain fully wearable and well preserved. \u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eA fine pair of \u003cstrong\u003eAustro-Hungarian rose-cut diamond dormeuse earrings\u003c\/strong\u003e; compact and early in character. \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ravensbury Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49142693822772,"sku":"1017810307","price":2400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6784\/5428\/files\/Studio_Session-584-2.jpg?v=1780407560"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6784\/5428\/collections\/SK-A-2289.jpg?v=1778860563","url":"https:\/\/ravensburyantiques.com\/en-kr\/collections\/antique-earrings-brooches-curiosities.oembed","provider":"Ravensbury Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}