earrings, sold
GEORGIAN c1820 15ct GOLD NATURAL CITRINE DOUBLE DROP EAR PENDANTS/ EARRINGS
£995.00
DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Of extraordinary quality, the double drop oval and teardrop rich yellow citrines are cut heavy and deep, amounting to several carats a piece. This depth and size endows them with exceptional ability to capture, refract, and reflect light. They are set on raised ball and claw prongs, in high relief, with scalloped edged, millegrain mount surrounds with applied gold ball border, a design characteristic of the later Georgian period circa 1810-1830. The ear wires are modern and 9 carat gold. Condition is quite exceptional, with no Indications of restoration, replacement or repair. The stones have suffered no damage and the settings are near immaculate. Will be sent in box pictured
Dimensions:
FULL DROP: 50mm/ 2in
EAR PENDANT DROP ONLY: 39mm
TOP STONE (OVAL): 8x6x4mm
BOTTOM STONE (TEARDROP): 17x10x6
Weight: COMBINED: 10.58g
Origin: UNITED KINGDOM
Age: c1820
Materials: 15ct YELLOW GOLD & CITRINE
Handmade: YES
Dating to circa1820, these extraordinary, exceptional quality ear pendants perfectly capture the elegance and drama of Georgian Regency fashion. The resumption of international trade following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, when cargoes of precious metals and gemstones were no longer severely restricted, was swiftly reflected in the new fashion for heavy and dramatic jewels. Gold cannetille and slivered, cluster set stones began to give way to large, individual stones, set in gold Pendeloque or drop mounts, of which this pendant pair are sensational examples. The characteristically Georgian foiled and closed back mount remained in fashion until the mid century, yet natural gemstones of large size, such as these sensational citrines; with exceptional colour saturation, internal fire, and clarity, needed no enhancement, and as such began to appear in bold, heavily decorated claw set open mounts.
Beautifully matched sunny, golden yellow citrines have been hand cut with mixed facets to show the stones to their best advantage under candlelight. The fashion of raised necklines and elaborate ‘updo’ hairstyles led to the fashion for long drop ear pendants, which drew attention to an elegant neck and face.