Cruciform Floral FRENCH Perpignan GARNET Antique 18k Gold Earrings Victorian Dangle Dormeuse Gift Belle Epoque Bridal

ABOUT:

My favorite gemstone! The Perpignan garnet. Sweetest little dormeuse earrings with those gorgeous glowing purplish pinkish red stones.

These French garnets are a huge passion of mine because I love garnets and I love French jewelry, and the Perpignan garnets to me are just incomparable to put it bluntly. In olden times Perpignan Garnets were thought to cure blood disorders and excessive anger, and symbolized constancy and loyalty. They are named as such for the region where they were mined in the South of France, which are now closed and no longer sourcing stones so finding these antique pieces are always special. They are known for their beautiful color and brilliance, along with the way the stones were cut and set. In domed back, closed back settings with foil to reflect the light and amazing color.

Superb color. Found in France with their hallmarks used in the 1800s for 18k gold and a goldsmith stamp.

These are often dainty and petite (the "dormeuse" are translated "sleepers" in French because they were meant to be worn overnight : ) so please note the measurements. Of course we don't recommend 24/7 wear on these old pieces now due to age.

Antique box in photos is not included. 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. Especially with earrings, there is often feedback of them being smaller than expected - the measurements are always in the listings if you don't mind double checking.

SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:

They measure about 16mm top to bottom, the floral part is 9mm wide. Combined weight is 1.7g.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

These need gentle wear and are priced accordingly for that reason. The settings are in good shape but one has a weak / wobbly hinge. They are dainty 140+ year old gold settings so we see often find this age related wear. Once closed, they are secure, but it is the opening and closing of the old gold hinges that need a very gentle hand. I thought about converting these to charms since Perpignan garnets are so collectible (two charms would sell for more than the price here), but I don't prefer to alter antiques so I thought I would offer them as is first. But we definitely do not recommend 24/7 wear on these.

Slightly varying colors to the stones which I love about them. Some age to the foil back but always so special, the color and reflectivity of antique Perpignan garnet pieces.

No chips or cracks and the settings holding the stones are secure. These are definitely on the more delicate side though due to the hinges, sold as is.

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).

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! : )

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