curiouslytimeless
Victorian era Day and Night 18K gold onyx drop earrings
Magnificent is the first word that comes to mind when looking at this incredible day & night drop earrings made of black onyx: always mysterious, this gemstone provides a luxury appeal and a dramatic contrast to the warm 18K yellow gold color used in the mounting.
We are impressed by the delicate golden dots and wave ornaments on the gold joint, a detail which shows highly skilled craftsmanship. On the drop part, fine gold lines are inlayed all around the body to highlight the elegant shape of the earrings.
If gold is carefully used to sparkle the design, the work on the onyx is equally remarkable: 10 snowflakes, together with 10 oval motifs are engraved on the onyx surface at the bottom, allowing the onyx to show darker or lighter tone when the engraving relief interacts with the light. How clever and beautiful!
The pendant part is removable from the top, making 2 different looks from one pair. This kind of design allows people to wear the earrings in a simple and classic way during the day and a more sophisticated way during the night for parties or friends’ gatherings (where its name “Day and night” earrings are coming from). The earrings are dated back form the 19th century, the Victorian era. They have the front to back closure for pierced ears.
These earrings will be a very lovely gift to offer or a great piece to add into your jewelry collection.
Measurements and Condition
In very good antique condition with slight traces of use.
French horse head hallmark for 18K gold on each side of the earrings.
Length of the top: 17mm
Length of the drop: 35mm
Total length when the two are worn together: 52mm
Weight: 7.4g