Antique Victorian Piqué Work Ram's Horn & Gold Drop Earrings - Obelisk Form - c.1870 - C3004

Summary

A striking pair of antique Victorian piqué work drop earrings dating circa 1870. The elongated faceted obelisk drops are made from dark ram's horn and finely inlaid with contrasting gold and silver decoration. The ear wires and spherical fittings test as 15ct gold.

Description

These Victorian earrings have long, tapering obelisk shaped drops, each constructed with faceted sides. The dark ram's horn provides a near black ground for the piqué work - a technique that involves setting small pieces of precious metal into horn or similar materials before finishing them flush with the surface. It demanded considerable precision, and on angular pieces of this form, the execution is particularly exacting.

Gold inlay forms the borders, dotted detailing and geometric panels. The silver inlaid sections are engraved with stylised feather motifs. Further triangular decoration appears around the shoulders of each drop, where the facets meet at the top.

Each earring is suspended beneath a spherical gold fitting from a simple curved wire. The wires and ball fittings test as 15ct gold. There are no marks, which is usual on small Victorian jewellery fittings of this type.

Condition

Good antique condition overall with normal age related wear. There is a small chip at the pointed end of one ram's horn drop. The gold and silver inlay otherwise presents well for its age.

Approximate Measurements

• Drop: 3.5cm [1.4in]
• Maximum width: 8.8mm [0.35in]
• Weight: 5.09 grams total
• Materials: Ram's horn with gold and silver piqué inlay
• Fittings: 15ct gold, tested
• Date: circa 1870
• Marks: Unmarked

Stock Code: C3004 AG26-1

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