Full Length: 4.3cm. Pendant Drop Length: 2.7cm. Pendant Drop Width: 1.6cm. Converted to custom secure screw post fastenings, these were most likely originally’day and night’ earrings. On the back top section you can see where the original hoop fittings were previously attached. The hoop fittings clasped shut at the top, allowing for the pendant drop to be added by threading through the curved wire, or be removed the same way, to take the earrings from subtle daytime, to dramatic night, and back again. Amongst the wealthy of the Georgian age, most significant socialising happened at night, with routine balls and parties being the places where all kinds of deals were struck and relationships made. Both men and women of this time wore substantial, elaborate jewellery, necessary to denote status, but also to draw attention to physical attributes in dim, candlelit rooms. Garnet was a favourite gemstone of the Romantic period, during which these dramatic earrings were made: it represented love in all its forms and was popular in memorial jewellery and pieces given as romantic gifts between lovers. Crafted in the characteristic manner of Georgian Jewellery making techniques and finishes, the garnets are typically flat cut and the rears foiled, in closed, domed back settings. Hammered sheet silver (the foil) was laid behind the stone, and especially when set in a rounded back mount, this technique helped to capture as much light as possible. This intensified the colour and internal’fire’ of the gem, and dramatically enhanced sparkle. The well matched garnets are of stunning colour, with a richly saturated red hue that moves through shades of claret, ruby, and scarlet. The gemstones sparkle gorgeously in the light, each beautifully contrasted by its creamy white silken halo of tiny pearls. This beautiful pair of jewels is entirely handcrafted, from the pleasing gold work with delightful touches: such as the subtle scallop edging of the pendant drops, and the decorative pinching around the pearl halo of the stud, to the cutting and shaping of the stones. Each pearl has been hand set, along with the garnets, in the classic rub-over and pinched collet mounts of the period. The classic Georgian techniques embodied in these jewels, started from the Regency period to give way to open backed gem setting techniques as gold poverty caused by the Napoleonic Wars hit England, and gold working techniques changed, in hand with the technological advances of the Industrial age. These earrings are therefore a precious link to the history and glamour of a lost age. It is remarkable that they have survived, together and in such beautiful condition. Excellent throughout, without damage. Aside from the conversion there are no indications of restoration or repair. In converting the earrings to stud fittings, they have been made into one-piece dangle earrings, but they could be altered back if so desired. The garnets are unscratched and the pearls of good colour. The earrings are in immediately wearable condition: the unusual, custom made screw post backs mean the earrings are far more secure in wearing than typical post fittings. Please remember that foiled, closed back gemstones must never be in contact with water. PLEASE STUDY ALL PICTURES CLOSELY AS THESE REPRESENT THE BEST AND MOST OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION FOR MORE IMAGES OR INFORMATION PLE.
