Victorian Bog Oak Drop Earrings - Carved Spiral Beads - Irish Mourning Style - c.1880 - B2237

Summary

A pair of late Victorian bog oak drop earrings with graduated dark beads, spiral carving and ear wires for pierced ears.

Description

The earrings combine semi matt bog oak beads with smaller lacquered beads. Spiral carving runs around the tubular bead and the lowest bead, drawing the eye down the 55mm drop. They hang from metal ear wires for pierced ears. No maker's mark is present as expected for type and period.

Bog oak is ancient timber darkened after long burial in peat. In 19th century Ireland it was carved into jewellery and small decorative objects, often using the wood's deep colour without a heavy surface finish. These earrings are most probably Irish and date to around 1880.

Black jewellery was commonly used for Victorian mourning dress, when colour and ornament were governed by conventions of bereavement. Bog oak offered a naturally dark material that could still be carved with detail. The form and date of this pair fit that tradition.

Condition

Good antique condition with minor wear and no significant faults noted. The metal has an aged patina.

Approximate Measurements

• Drop: 55mm [2.17in]
• Widest bead: 11.78mm [0.46in]
• Item weight before packing: 3.40g [0.12oz]

Stock Code: B2237 FB25-2

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