Antique Victorian Piqué Work Ram's Horn & Gold Drop Earrings - Obelisk Form - c.1870 - C3004
Summary A striking pair of antique Victorian piqué work drop earrings dating circa 1870. The elongated faceted obelisk drops are made from dark ram's horn and finely inlaid with contrasting gold and silver decoration. The ear wires and spherical fittings test as 15ct gold. Description These Victorian earrings have long, tapering obelisk shaped drops, each constructed with faceted sides. The dark ram's horn provides a near black ground for the piqué work - a technique that involves setting small pieces of precious metal into horn or similar materials before finishing them flush with the surface. It demanded considerable precision, and on angular pieces of this form, the execution is particularly exacting. Gold inlay forms the borders, dotted detailing and geometric panels. The silver inlaid sections are engraved with stylised feather motifs. Further triangular decoration appears around the shoulders of each drop, where the facets meet at the top. Each earring is suspended beneath a spherical gold fitting from a simple curved wire. The wires and ball fittings test as 15ct gold. There are no marks, which is usual on small Victorian jewellery fittings of this type. Condition Good antique condition overall with normal age related wear. There is a small chip at the pointed end of one ram's horn drop. The gold and silver inlay otherwise presents well for its age. Approximate Measurements Drop: 3.5cm [1.4in] Maximum width: 8.8mm [0.35in] Weight: 5.09 grams total Materials: Ram's horn with gold and silver piqué inlay Fittings: 15ct gold, tested Date: circa 1870 Marks: Unmarked Stock Code: C3004 AG26-1 Shipping Tracked and insured shipping is provided free of charge to most UK addresses, there may be charges for remote or offshore locations. Your item(s) will usually be shipped within 48hrs of order (weekdays), you will receive an email with confirmation of shipping and tracking code when your item is despatched. Delivery is usually 1-3 business days from despatch, if you need an item more urgently please get in touch to see if we can assist. For international buyers once you have added the item to your cart and specified your delivery address the system will calculate the shipping price for you. Shipping prices are automatically calculated for the most common destinations and items, if the system does not give you a shipping price for your particular item and location simply get in touch and we will update the system for you. Please note if you are purchasing an item for delivery outside the UK you may have to pay taxes and duties upon import. Blue Cherry Antiques does not collect tax or duty on any sale, and the payment of such taxes should they arise is the responsibility of the purchaser. Shipping for international orders will be by a tracked (where possible) and insured service via airmail or parcel carrier depending on location and item purchased.