Glimpses of Grandeur: Circa 1830's Diamond Earrings

A pair of early Victorian circa 1830 earrings, manifesting the era's penchant for ornamental grandeur. Fashioned from 18K yellow gold, these earrings exhibit the finesse of enamelling, a revered technique since antiquity. Each earring is adorned with two old brilliant-cut diamonds, collectively weighing approximately 1.66ct. The condition is noted as good, with minor enamel wear, encapsulating the historical narrative and aesthetic movements of the time, from the Arts and Crafts to the Art Nouveau.

Antique jewelry object group
earrings short hanging

Condition
good condition (enamel has small signs of wear)
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
unknown

Style
Early-Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
See also: early-Victorian
more info on styles

Style specifics
Victorian - In 1837 Queen Victoria begins the longest reign in the history of Great Britain. For 64 years, from 1837 till 1901, she symbolizes the growth and triumph of the British Empire as Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India. Proud, passionate about beautiful things, highly educated about all styles of time, she influences the lifestyles through her taste and immense love of jewelry.

Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era. (Last part freely rendered from: Wikipedia)

Period
ca. 1830
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Material
18K yellow gold (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Technique
Enamelling is an old and widely-adopted technology. The ancient Egyptians applied enamels to pottery and stone objects. The ancient Greeks, Celts, Russians, and Chinese also used enameling processes on metal objects. Enamel is the colorful result of fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 degrees Celsius. The powder melts and flows and hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating on metal, glass or ceramic. According to some sources, the word enamel comes from the High German word smelzan (to smelt) via the Old French esmail. Used as a noun, "an enamel" is a usually small decorative object, coated with enamel coating, such as a champlevé or a cloisonné (different techniques).

Diamonds
Two old brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 1.66ct colour and clarity F/I, si/i
All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since stones are not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.
All diamonds we offer are screened by the I.J.G.C. for whether they are natural or synthetic, and all diamonds in this jewel are 100% guaranteed to be natural.

Birthstones
Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April.
more info on birthstones

Hallmarks
No trace.
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Dimensions
diameter 1,36 cm (0,54 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
3,90 gram (2,51 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
21355-0125

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

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