1870s Egyptian Revival Micro Mosaic Gold Ear Pendants

Early Victorian rose cut diamond drop earrings. A matching pair, each set with forty mixed rose cut diamonds in open back cutd...

Old mine fancy yellow diamond drop earrings. A matching pair of earrings set to bottom with a cushion shape old mine fancy yellow diamond, one SI1 clari...

Vintage diamond earrings. A marching pair, each set with a round old cut diamond, the first H colour, VS1 clarity with an approximate weight of...

Saint Cecelia chatelaine pendant by Froment-Meurice. A gold and silver pendant in the Renaissance Revival style, the main element composed of an ornately carved openwork architectural structure in the form of an altarpiece, the central niche surmounted by a cupola set with pearls, with scroll and scalloped details to the interior and suspending a fleur-de-lis, containing a figure of Saint Cecelia playing a viola da gamba with two dancing putti to either side, flanked by two smaller raised pedestals issuing fleur-de-lis, each set with a putto (one playing a harp, the other playing a triangle), suspending a double swagged gold chain set with pearls, with two further chains suspending on one side a circular lapis lazuli seal in a trumpet form mount and on the other a watch winder, the whole accented with blue enamel and set to the reverse with a hinged band loop, approximately 9.5cm in total length. Tested yellow gold and silver, French, circa 1850. François Désiré Froment-Meurice (1802-1855) was one of the most important French jewellery and silversmiths of the nineteenth century, described by Victor Hugo as the Cellini of his age. He exhibited in a number of International Exhibitions, where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were among his clients. The Renaissance Revival, as seen here, and the Gothic Revival were his two major decorative styles. This piece is also typical of his penchant for placing a silver figure, usually female, within a yellow gold architectural mount. The central figure and flanking putti are identical to those found on two brooches by Froment-Meurice, one in the Birmingham Museum and one in the Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim. Another brooch by Froment-Meurice, in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, features a similar central figure, but this time as an angel with wings, in a silver oval blue enamelled frame. These examples also bear a similar gold and blue enamel architectural mount, and differ only in the surrounding and pendulant embellishments. Saint Cecelia is the patroness of music, whose feast day is celebrated each November. A Roman maiden, she was amongst the earliest and most famous of the Roman martyrs, reputedly beheaded in 230 AD under the Emperor Alexander Severus. Throughout history, Saint Cecelia has inspired musicians and poets alike, appearing in John Dryden...

A pair of rare Italian, Rome, 1820's, 14kt gold tested and micromosaic set on black glass, drop earrings each with a smaller oval plaque above a round...

Circa 1880s, 14k. These antique earrings are ornamented with a traditional bird motif. At nearly three-inches long with a flirty movement, the vintage chic look effortlessly goes f...

Indulge in a spectacular pair of early Antique Etruscan Revival Victorian Pendant Dangle Drop Earrings in 14 Karat Gold. These earrings are of the highest quality. They have extra...

Grand Tour 18k Yellow Gold Micromosaic Double Drop Earrings 1.5" length from base of ear wire 11 grams in weight for both earrings Made in Italy c.1860s Embark on the tradition of the Grand Tour with our exquisite 18k Yellow Gold Micromosaic Double Drop Earrings. Crafted with the utmost skill and precision in Italy, these earrings are rich in cultural heritage and embody the artistic craftsmanship of the era. Micromosaics, tiny fragments of glass known as tesserae meticulously arranged to create intricate scenes, portraits, or landscapes, became highly sought-after treasures during the 19th century. Coined by Sir Arthur Gilbert, the term “micromosaic” distinguished these works from traditional mosaics. The heyday of micro mosaic jewelry coincided with the Grand Tour, a cultural journey undertaken by affluent Europeans and Americans to absorb Europe's art and culture. Italy, with its history and artistic heritage, was a favored destination, where travelers acquired micromosaic jewelry as cherished souvenirs. These earrings have all the hallmarks of a sentimental lover. Flowers, especially, Forget Me Nots, symbolizing remembrance and true love, have captivated romantics for centuries. Legend has it that a knight, while picking Forget Me Nots for his lady, fell into a stream and, in a final act of love, tossed the flowers to her while crying, "Forget-me-not!" Cherubs, evolving from earthly desires to angelic symbolism, added celestial grace to Italian art. Often depicted as chubby, winged children, cherubs embodied innocence, purity, and divine love. In micromosaic jewelry, cherubs became...