18th century georgian / early Victorian diamond fleur de lis night/day earrings

Georgian crowned heart ring from turn of the century 18th/19th century, circa 1780 – 1810. Making this ring some 240 years old! Decorated w...

A pair of late 19th century onyx and diamond pendant earrings. Super elegant! Each elongated onyx drop highlighted with a rose-cut di...

A pair of pastel-colored, round cabochon opals are flanked by shimmering rose-cut diamonds, set in darkened silver over 18kt. gold, in these charming and lively ear poppers. The ea...

When the line between want and need becomes quite blurry. A 19th century 18 karat rose brooch set with an approx. 5ct blue zircon surrounded by 269 antique, old, table and rose cut ...

Cut steel jewelry was at the height of fashion from the mid 1700s well into the 19th century. Originated in the 1700s. Popular from the Georgian through the Victorian eras. To make cut steel, melted horseshoe nails were formed into tiny faceted beads. Those small steel gemstone-like studs were then riveted one-by-one onto a base plate. It was an English invention that quickly travelled throughout the world. Each stud could have up to 15 facets, and in general the finer and older the piece the more facets the studs will have. Improvements in candles meant that grand events and entertaining could take place at night. As diamonds are diamonds and not available for everyone, and everyone wanted to shine, the popularity grew. Cut-steel provided a stylish and popular new jewelry material that could be enjoyed by everyone at all levels of society. It grew beyond a simple imitation to an art in its own right. The manufacturing was complex and the workmanship that was required highly skilled. These were not mass produced objects. The studs were made from decarbonated cast steel, which was case-hardened, then the studs were faceted by cutting against a pewter wheel. Next were then polished with first fine emery and a hard brush, and then by hand with a special putty. Finally they were riveted onto pierced base plates which had to be drilled and cut by hand, too. The main place of cut steel production was Birmingham, England. And there, one manufacturer stood out from all the rest: Matthew Boulton. He had been born in 1728 into the industry — his father manufactured small metal products. But the younger Boulton had a special talent for marrying the latest technology with the latest fashion. He also was continually expanding — he even founded a mint. He wined and dined with dignitaries and advocated for his steel products. Fortuitously, he became quite close with the Russian ambassador to Catherine the Great. When the ambassador toured the mint, Boulton made sure to send the Empress some of his cut-steel necklaces. In 1759, Louis XV “encouraged” the nobility to donate their gold and gemstone jewelry to help fund the Seven Years War. The popularity of cut steel in France may in part have been due to these sumptuary laws which limited who could wear precious metals and diamonds. Either you complied with the law and gave up your family jewels to be melted down for the war chest...

A fine antique early 20th century paste lizard or salamander brooch, artfully and expertly handcrafted in silver, partly gilt, workmanship c. 1900, in a fitted case, with the cutest ...

A truly glamorous and large pair of fleur de lis motif chandelier design diamond drop earrings are set in 18 karat white gold and feature a mesmerizing array of the most sparkling wh...

The most beautiful 18th Century Georgian earrings we have seen in a very long time, museum worthy. Elegant, very long, unusual Rococo design at its best with intricate interconnected diamond encrusted scrolls glinting mysteriously when catching the light. Exquisitely made of 18K gold topped with silver to create the best setting for the Rose cut and European cut diamonds, totaling approximately 5 Carats. Lovely movement, these earrings are articulated. 80mm or 3.125 inches long for spectacular impact. Exceptionally fine condition with a desirable conversion to post pierced backs with substantial secure 18K gold backs. Estate sourced Tested for 18K gold, unmarked except for the 18K backs With an antique velvet lined box or a modern black velvet...

Details: Victorian Day and Night Earrings with natural emeralds and rose cut diamonds! Originally termed as "Day and Night earrings" because during the day they were worn as the smal...

These antique earrings are light and delicate yet have presence and size when worn. The earrings are made of 18k gold and have exquisite cannetille work from about 1820. Cannetille...

Diamond Cascade Day & Night Chandelier Earrings A pair of platinum earrings set with 54 pear shaped diamonds, 48 baguette cut diamonds, 8 marquise cut...

Buccellati 18K and Diamond Day/Night Vintage Earrings. The model is called Ondine. The style, day/night means that one can remove the bottoms and wear j...