Victorian Long Carved Jet Earrings
$950.00
I love the smooth lines and expert carving of these Victorian earrings, circa 1870, featuring long carved jet drops hung from 10k yellow gold tops with black tracery enamel known as "basse-taille."
Jet is essentially a type of fossilized wood, like coal, and has been used in jewelry since the Neolithic period; it became especially popular in the 19th century for mourning jewelry due to it's inky color, light weight and the ease with which it can be carved.
Details: Measuring approximately 2 3/4" long from top of the ear wire curve to the bottom of the drop, approximately 3.3 grams total weight for each earring. The tops and band around the jet drop are not marked for metal content but XRF tested to solid 10k.
Condition: In excellent condition with a light patina and oxidization to the gold. The jet drops show minimal wear with no obvious nibbles, chips or cracks. Slight repair to the wire connection on the back of one earring, not noticeable when worn.
Jet is essentially a type of fossilized wood, like coal, and has been used in jewelry since the Neolithic period; it became especially popular in the 19th century for mourning jewelry due to it's inky color, light weight and the ease with which it can be carved.
Details: Measuring approximately 2 3/4" long from top of the ear wire curve to the bottom of the drop, approximately 3.3 grams total weight for each earring. The tops and band around the jet drop are not marked for metal content but XRF tested to solid 10k.
Condition: In excellent condition with a light patina and oxidization to the gold. The jet drops show minimal wear with no obvious nibbles, chips or cracks. Slight repair to the wire connection on the back of one earring, not noticeable when worn.