A beautiful pair of Victorian drop earrings in silver and 15ct gold, c.1880, combining natural pearl centres with old-cut diamonds totalling an estimated 1.2 carats. The combination of silver and gold mounts is characteristic of the finest Victorian jewellery of the period — the silver used to enhance the cool brilliance of the diamonds, the gold providing warmth and structural strength. Old-cut diamonds, with their deep culets and softly faceted crowns, have a candlelit warmth quite different from modern brilliant cuts, and they suit the natural lustre of the pearls perfectly. Fitted with shepherd's hook fittings. A refined and wearable piece of antique jewellery, equally suited to a bride or a collector.

The Details

• Circa: 1880
• Dimensions: 3.5 × 1.1cm
• Estimated total diamond weight: 1.2 carats (old-cut)
• Hallmarks: Tests as silver and 15ct gold