Blonde tortoiseshell pique earrings dating from the 1880’s
Tortoiseshell is more often found having a darker colour, whereas these gorgeous earrings were made in the lighter variety known as blonde tortoiseshell. When it is inlayed with gold and silver, the term “pique” is then applied.Click here to read a brief article on pique jewellery: https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/articles/history-of-pique-jewellery/
This style of jewellery is as unique as it is beautiful, and the colour of these earrings combined with the delicate, intricate design make them truly exceptional, and will make them catch the eye of all who see
Measuring 12.7mm wide at the base, they measures 41.2mm or 59.8mm to the top of the hooks, making them perfect for the little black dress for that special occasion.
Dating from the 1880’s, these earrings are also in exceptional condition, showing the testament to the quality of how well antique jewellery was made.
Stock# ET1290
Circa: 1880
$Sold
Blonde tortoiseshell pique earrings
Blonde tortoiseshell pique earrings dating from the 1880’s
What is pique jewellery?
Pique 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.
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, 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 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.
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, meaning that pique 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/antique/antique-earrings/
Click here to see more antique pique jewellery that is currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/antique/pique-jewellery/
A link to the beautiful Victoria & Albert museum in London:
