These earrings date from the 1860's and are each set with the most wonderful genuine antique diamonds in a style and design that looks spectacular on the ear.
Hand made 18 carat yellow gold and silver, the tops where the diamonds are set are in silver as this was used as white gold was not yet invented and it was already known that setting diamonds in yellow gold can artificially tint the diamonds more yellow, hence silver being used.
The earrings have such a regal design that look incredible that takes you back to a bygone era. Measuring 10mm across by 24.7mm they are fitted on newer post fittings each secured by a butterfly and sit perfectly on the ear.
Each earring is set with a total of twenty one antique mine cut diamonds that total 1.54 for both earrings. The mine cut diamond was the first real brilliant cut diamond that was first cut at the start of the 18th century and are also known as cushion cut diamonds thanks to their wonderful squarish shape somewhat resembling a cushion. Genuine antique mine cut diamonds have become so sought after in recent years, and these diamonds look amazing from near or far.
And in the centre of each earring is an incredible antique pear cut diamond that both come together to total an impressive 1.60 carats. These pear cut diamonds accentuate the shape and design of the earrings and really make them stand out from near or far.
Truly spectacular, these diamond earrings will make any woman feel like royalty when wearing them.
Stock# ES9476
Circa: 1860
$Sold
Out of stock
Antique mid-Victorian era diamond earrings made in the 1860's
Each earring is set with twenty one mine cut diamonds and one pear cut diamond.
A brief history on the mine cut diamond:
At the start of the 18th century, a great leap forward emerged with the “invention†of the new 58-facetted diamond. At the time, these were the closest resemblance to today’s brilliant cut, and are referred to as old mine cuts, or old miners. These were cut often squarish or cushion shaped, with quite a steep angle on the crown and pavilion, to maximise weight retention. As well as these features, the “old miners†often had quite a large culet or “colletâ€, the horizontal base formed by the blunting of a point when the stone is cut as a brilliant.
During the mid 19th century, the old European cut came into focus, and was an attempt to change the old mine cut stones into a more perfect round cut. These stones can be considered as the first true round brilliant cut diamonds. The facets from the old miners were kept in their same position, but changed shape to a more round and evenly shaped stone.
The culets became smaller, as it was realised that light could “leak†out from this point in the stone. The development of the modern brilliant cut occurred in the early part of the 20thcentury with further modifications through the century.
Click here to see more antique earrings that are currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/antique-earrings-antique/
