These antique pique earrings are perfect for any occasion, and thanks to their wonderful chocolate-brown colouring and shape, both of which are highlighted by the intricate inlay of gold and silver.
Click here to read an article on pique jewellery. https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/articles/history-of-pique-jewellery/
Measuring a very impressive 73.3mm from the bottom to the very top of the gold hooks, these earrings will make any woman walk so tall and proud, and make her feel like royalty any and every time that they are being worn.
Made in the 1890's, even well after 130 years have passed, they are not only still in superb condition, but still look just as amazing today as when they were made.
Stock# ET1003
Circa: 1890
$Sold.
Out of stock
Victorian era antique pique earrings
Victorian pique drop earrings made in the 1880's. These Victorian pique drop earrings are made from a material no longer available.
What is pique jewellery?
Pique jewellery is a style and type of jewellery all unto itself. It is one that cannot be reproduced today and is so unique and spectacular. Made most popular during the Victorian era, it can be found as far back as the 18th Century and was popular throughout most parts of Europe but mostly in Italy and England.
Pique (pronounced pee-kay) is gold or silver, or sometimes a combination of both, inlayed into another material. Quite often the material was tortoiseshell (from the Hawksbill tortoise which was also used for the making of other tortoiseshell material such as boxes etc) and sometimes even from elephant ivory.
The tortoiseshell seemed to be the most popular. this was probably because of its light weight and being easy to mould into other shapes. Tortoiseshell is a natural thermoplastic , meaning that it is quite malleable when heated/warmed. Very fine gold or silver would be fashioned into either fine rod or leaf designs. These were then pressed into the already warmed tortoiseshell. After the gold and silver was set, the shell was left to cool down which would then contract to hold the metal in place.
Prior to 1870, the metals were cut by hand allowing for very fine and intricate detail then after 1870, machines started to do the work resulting in more straight and angular designs. The attention to detail no matter the age is always something that never ceases to amaze people. More so when you consider that these pieces were often made well over 140 years ago and still look superb today.
Pique jewellery can most commonly be found in earrings and pendants, and the designs and colouring are amazing to admire.
This form of jewellery making is now a lost art as both the elephant and Hawksbill turtle are protected species. This of course means that pique jewellery will become harder and harder to find as the years go by
Click here to see more antique pique jewellery that is currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/pique-jewellery-antique/
Pique jewellery is unlike anything else, and click here to read a brief article on pique jewellery: https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/articles/history-of-pique-jewellery/
A link to the beautiful Victoria and Albert Museum in London: