Victorian era geometrical shell gold inlay earrings

For sale a beautiful pair of archaeological revival shell earrings in deep brown color. They feature two rounded shell panel on which they are decorated with architectural and geometrical gold & silver inlays. The earrings have the 9K gold wires backing for pierced ears. They dated back to the mid 19th century, the Victorian era. They were probably converted from antique shell buttons.

The manufacture of shell into decorative objects and accessories can be traced back to the 17th 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 mold 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. Slight traces of uses on the surface.

Traces of conversion and small cracks on the back of the earrings.

No hallmark is found so the wire is acid tested for 9k gold.

The shell panel measures 18mm in diameter

Length: 27mm

Weight: 3.1g