It is a real testament to the quality of antique jewellery when you consider that these antique pique earrings are over 140 years old, yet are still in superb condition and as beautiful today as when they were made.
Click here to read a brief article on pique jewellery: https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/articles/history-of-pique-jewellery/
Measuring 10.7mm wide at its widest section by 45.2mm to the top of the fancy section or 53.2mm to the top of the shepherd hook, the detail in the pique is just extraordinary and like no other style of jewellery. Not only is the pique still in wonderful condition, but it also has such a beautiful tactile feel to it.
The 18ct gold tops add to the elegance of the earrings, and combine this with the elegant length, there is no doubt that these will be the perfect pair of earrings to wear for that special occasion where they will always be admired.
Elegant, refined and graceful are all words that can be used to describe these gorgeous earrings from a wonderful bygone era.
Stock# ES9209
Circa: 1880
$Sold
Out of stock
Antique pique drop earrings set on 18 carat gold tops
These antique pique drop earrings were made in the Victorian era of the 1880's and are still in superb condition.
Piqué jewellery is a style and type of jewellery all unto itself and 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.
Piqué (pronounced “pee-kayâ€) 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, 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 “rods†or “leaf†designs and the 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 especially when you consider that these pieces were often made well over 140 years ago and still look superb today.
Piqué 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, meaning that piqué jewellery will become harder and harder to find as the years go by.
Click here to see more antique earrings that is currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/antique-earrings-antique/
Click here to see more antique pique jewellery that is currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/pique-jewellery-antique/
