ANTIQUE Iberian Natural Square Cut EMERALD Georgian Era Floral Scrolling Dormeuse Earrings 18k Gold Hand Made Baroque Green

ABOUT:
My recent sourcing trip was to Spain in addition to France (where I go a few times a year). So this trip, I went with the intention of seeking out some of the traditional Iberian antique jewelry from Spain that is so special and popular now (not to mention incredibly difficult to find in the US).

All original Georgian era antiques that are hand made with gorgeous scrolling gold work and two square bezel set natural emeralds on each earring. Such an ornate design with the scalloped and domed centers resembling a flower with the emerald at center.

They are crafted in 18k gold, all parts, there is a very old stamp on the back that I know now is the old Spanish hallmark for 18k gold. When I was in Madrid I spent the afternoon with a dealer now friend, a gentleman who has been doing this for years and years. He went to the back and showed me some special items "para mi pensión" (for his retirement : ) that he has set aside for a rainy day - (one Art Nouveau piece you wouldn't believe but I digress). And then he also pulled out an awesome out of print book about Spanish hallmarks where he showed me this mark on 18th century jewelry, educating me about the Spanish regional jewelry. I certainly tried online searching in both Spanish and English but those out of print books that he shared with me were the true resource. I learned so much that day and I am grateful to him for his time... Anyway - happy memories!

How to describe the form of these earrings... they aren't studs but they aren't dangles either in that they aren't long. They aren't pendeloques as they are smaller in scale. The closest I can find to describe them would be the French dormeuse style with the hinged backs. Like dormeuse earrings, the ends of the ear wires are hooked, and are inserted from the back of the ear towards the front, and then latched into a small catch atop the back of the earring. Also similar to dormeuse in that they do dangle slightly with the ear wires having them hang from the earlobe.

Uncommon, unique and so pretty. They look beautiful on!

Antique Box IS Included! These old boxes are collectible and hold value. The box is not fitted for the earrings and is not original to the pieces (I think it was a pin box), but I am including it as a gift because it's always fun to store our antique goodies in period appropriate housing : ).

Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to decipher scale from photos, especially with the zoomed images that I am required to present for detail.

SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:

19x16mm by 6.7mm deep measuring just the domed ear pendants without the wire backs.

The pair weighs 3.75 grams combined.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
These unique and highly collectible antiques are special and need a gentle hand. It would also be helpful if familiar with this style of earrings or willing to practice. With the 175+ year old gold hinges they of course need a gentle hand and it can be a bit finicky to try to get them latched while on the ear while applying enough pressure to latch them without bending the hinges. Just be honest : ). But these are always super popular, people love them and wear them but I just wanted to be up front that it takes some tactile strength as it can be hard enough to guide the catches into place while in the hand, let alone while trying to do so when it is on the ear. This is not a condition issue, it is how they were made and have always been, so the earrings are as expected.
Some natural inclusions to the emeralds including some surface reaching common for antique emeralds. Some small abrasions giving some facet edges a bit of a matte finish but gorgeous coloring and sheen overall. Lastly, is it just me or does one emerald square list slightly to the side? Regardless, it's how they were made and I guess more proof that they are made by hand. This would not be noticeable when worn. They're pretty fabulous.

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 : )

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 : )

All items hand picked by me, one at a time from all over the world. All listings individually written by me, and not AI, after studying each piece to discuss its beauties and its ; ) eccentricities (which I am picky to point out).

Many of my listings include group shots – I find the comparisons between pieces help show scale, diamond hues, etc. All items in group shots are inventory, but refer to the website to see what items have sold out and to watch for new listings from the grouping to appear on the home page.

Box#stvc.&2^