Antique Buttercup Rose Cut Diamond Day to Night Dormeuse Studs to Dangle Victorian Earrings 18k Gold Solid Scalloped Domed

I am selling an assortment of vintage to antique jewelry and rings which I have hunted for and gathered from around the world. Some examples seen in the last photo - thanks for stopping by!

ABOUT:

Two uses in one pair! Timeless and romantic Victorian Gera earrings in 18k gold with buttercup settings featuring the tiers of scalloped details leading up to the center rose cut diamonds.

Such a nifty invention - These are "day to night" earrings with the dormeuse holding the larger dangles, which can be removed so the smaller tops can be worn alone. They were named this to wear the simpler top portion during the day (or overnight originally to keep the ear holes open). Then when evening comes, they would add the additional larger dangles to make them more fancy for dinner or the ball.

Beautiful period appropriate original patina gives these earrings a great antique look.

The earrings have a hooked lever back that are inserted from the back of the ear and clips into the front.

No hallmarks but clearly solid gold testing at 18k which was the norm for the period in Spain where I purchased them. I've also found it's common there to find antique pieces with no hallmarks but no doubt as to their fabrication.

Antique box not included. Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to decipher scale from photos.

SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:

They measure about 31mm top to bottom by 12mm at the widest.
They weigh 4.8g combined.
The diamonds are about 3mm each.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
The diamonds are quite gray from age to the closed back settings. The tops can still catch the light and emit a wink of sparkle but otherwise they kind of blend in to the dark patina of the pieces. They also have some nicks and nibbles, they are the primitive cuts, flat like discs and rough cut / not uniform. No glaring issues while wearing but if you study the stones you will see they are rough cut.

Under magnification it looks like the bottom dangles may have had enamel at one time but it isn't visible while wearing anymore. The residual specks are seen only under magnification. Varying dark patina in the recesses to the top portions as well. They look fabulous on. Sold pretty much at what I paid but I love them and wanted to have them in the shop. : )

These old beauties with their 200 year old intricate gold hinges are certainly not for 24/7 wear. Despite being in good condition and quite sturdy, it's just the thought of lying down on gold of that age : )
These old pieces always need a gentle hand as pretty much all French dormeuse have a dainty fabrication, and even more so these due to age - but they latch securely and the hinges function well. These earrings are very popular, I’ve sold many and buyers often report back that it just takes a little practice and patience inserting the hooked end from behind and then latching them while on the ear but that they get the hang of it with time. : )
Still beautiful and appropriate for gentle handling considering age and fabrication.

Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )

I enjoy making my customers happy and matching unique pieces with new homes. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions! It means a lot to me that you are visiting my shop! : )

SOCIAL:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on Instagram for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews! And check out my website www.MousesHouseAntiques.com as I can add more pics there so you can get extra looks : )

Thanks so much for looking at my items!

Box#q.7^2