earrings, sold
GEORGIAN c1780-90 FOILED PINK AMETHYST & 15ct ROSE GOLD DROP DANGLE DORMEUSE EARRINGS
£950.00
CONDITION
Excellent, the only issue is a small area of oxidation to the back foil of one of the stones. This is extremely common with earlier foiled gemstones and pastes, and is testament to it’s authenticity. The gold mounts are excellent, with no dings or dents at all, and the stones are very strong and secure in their mounts. Immediately wearable.
AMETHYST DIMENSIONS:-
15mmX9mm & 14.5mmX8.7mm
EARRING DROP (EXCLUDING EAR WIRES):- 17mm
Origin: UNITED KINGDOM
Era: 18th CENTURY GEORGE III
Materials: NATURAL UNTREATED AMETHYST/ 15 CARAT ROSE GOLD
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
A pair of skilfully worked natural Amethyst gemstones in a specifically chosen, well matched, and spectacular baby pink- lilac colouration. Set in 15 carat rose gold -a very popular gold shade of the period- with closed, foiled back mounts secured with crimped collet, or ‘piecrust’ edging.
In the Georgian period scarcity and beauty meant Amethyst was considered one of the Cardinal gems, along with Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald: consequently it was valuable and coveted. The proliferation of amethyst paste from the 18th to the early 19th century especially is indicative of the gemstones long term appeal.
By the time these earrings were made, the elaborate, heavy girandole style of the flamboyant, early 18th century were giving way to large single or double gemstone (or paste) earrings set in gold or silver. The rarity and value of natural amethyst at this time, plus the specific value of these spectacular stones is evidenced by their slightly mis-matched shaped. Whilst they are perfectly colourmatched and both oval shaped and faceted identically, they are each of slightly different dimensions. This means the highly skilled lapidarist followed the shape of the stone and hand cut it to the extract the best possible sparkle, with the minimum of loss to the volume of the stone. These are large, deep stones, cut for displaying under the lower light of candles, and as they move through their fire and sparkle is truly intense, whilst being the most beautiful rare colour.