Antique Victorian Earrings 14k Gold Diamond Estate Jewelry

$23,500.00

A delicate pair of Victorian rose cut diamond earrings, made of 14 karat gold.

The earrings of drop dangling design, each feature two diamonds. The top one is a smaller, four-prong set stone. The dangling larger diamond is seven-prong set in a beautifully crafted open-work basket. The earrings closure is leverback.

The backs of the diamonds are foil backed. The process of foiling was common in the Victorian era. Applying a layer of metal or other material on the back of a stone improves brightness and brilliance. Today this technique that requires skills and time to implement has been lost. Over time the foil-backed jewelry became rare and sought-after by collectors.

1 in stock

1900s
14 karat Rose Gold
Diamond rose cut, 4, O-P/ I1, 4.0 carats total
4.4 grams
1” x ½” (2.5 x 1.1 cm)
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    About Victorian Jewelry:

    Victorian jewelry is dated from 1837 to 1901. The era’s name was inherited from Queen Victoria who reigned during that time. Her significant input shaped the jewelry style of that time.

    To navigate in such a vast period, historians divide it into following parts:

    • The Early Victorian or Romantic
    • The Middle of Grand Victorian
    • The Late or Aesthetic Victorian Era

    Different materials, gemstones and techniques were popular specifically for each era. Some styles though remained in favor longer than during just one period. For instance, hair jewelry made its way through Romantic to Grand period. Snake and animal motifs were also in demand throughout the era.

    • Early Victorian jewelry

    As to the Queen influence, Romantic Period jewelry had well pronounced sentimental vibes. It was the time when young Queen Victoria was in love with her husband, Prince Albert. And the whole nation admired their relationship. Cameos, matching brooches, miniature portraits and lockets reflected the likeness of loved ones. After Albert’s passing in 1861, the Early Victorian Period ended, and The Grand era began.

    • Grand Victorian jewelry

    After the incandescent bulb invention in 1870s, diamond jewelry started thriving like never before. Diamonds, being placed under the electric light, revealed their dazzling nature and looked truly fascinating.

    Besides Victorian diamond jewelry, mourning jewelry massively gained its popularity, reflecting the Queen grieving state after Albert’s passing.

    Opulence and larger scale prevailed in the Grand Victorian jewels style. It was the time of booming economy, and jewelry makers picked up the trend.

    • Late Victorian jewelry

    Late Victorian jewelry makers stepped away from creating massive, heavy pieces. Women lifestyle changed towards independence. They got involved in new activities such as bicycling and tennis. To keep up with the new clientele’s needs, Late Victorian pieces were lighter and more wearable. Attached safety pins became very handy and this element is the era’s design feature.

    Tiffany & Co. introduced their first solitaire diamond engagement ring during Late Victorian times. Etruscan and Egyptian revival, along with the Oriental motifs kept being popular. Another typical style for the period was a choker necklace.

    The Aesthetic period and the whole Victorian era ended with Queen Victoria’s passing in 1901.

    See our collection of the Victorian jewelry here.

     

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