Victorian era shell gold floral inlay earrings

For sale a very beautiful pair of archaeological revival shell earrings in deep reddish brown color. They feature two amphoras with precious gold inlay. On the top of the earrings, two golden stars, and on the body of the earrings, delicate floral motifs. The earrings have the silver wires for pierced ears. They dated back to the mid 19^th century, the Victorian era.

The manufacture of shell into decorative objects and accessories can be traced back to the 17^th century when French Huguenot craftsmen produced elegant and highly practical snuff boxes, patch boxes, needlework…, inlaid with precious metals and decorated with pretty patterns. The shell becomes soft when heated, enabling the craftsman to bend and mould the material into the shape of the desired object. The surface was then polished and inlaid with silver or gold in a technique known as “pricking”, “piqué” in French.  Patterns of tiny stars, polka dots and bead clusters were known as “piqué point” whilst strips of wire in floral cluster or geometric patterns were called “piqué pose”. Both techniques were used in Victorian jewelry which originated in the 1830s and reached a peak of popularity by the 1860s.

These earrings would make a wonderful gift to offer or to receive.

Measurements and condition

In overall good antique condition. Traces of uses and slight scratches. 

No hallmark is found so the wire is acid tested for silver.

Length: 57mm

Width: 9mm

Weight: 5g