Dormeuse Antique PERPIGNAN GARNET Earrings 18k Gold Rose Cut Original Victorian Closed Back Almandine Glowing Crimson Berry

Back from my inventory trip to Europe with so many hand picked one at a time finds! More examples seen in the group photo which also helps with scale : ). Feel free to check out my Instagram to see posts about the trip and where these pieces came from!

ABOUT:

My favorite stone in all the world - the Perpignan garnet! These special jewels are trademarked and made only in that area of Catalonia France. There have only ever been a small handful of makers in all the world at a time that were trained in the multi step process of creating these special pieces.

Here we have a pair of all original antique dormeuse dangle earrings. Beautifully fabricated with two oval bezel set stones in domed backs. These are special due to their exceptional color and especially the condition of these stones. This is an older pair, not a modern made piece and yet seems as if it was stored away or hardly worn, the stones are so shiny! And despite their gorgeous berry red wine coloring, they somehow manage to emit sparkle! Original antique patina on the gold as well.

"Dormeuse" earrings are translated "sleepers" in French because they were meant to be worn overnight. Of course we don't recommend 24/7 wear on these old pieces now due to age. These old pieces always need a gentle hand as pretty much all French dormeuse have a dainty fabrication (not to mention 125 year old gold hinges) but they latch closed. These 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. : ) But again - a gentle hand! As too much pressure and a slip can snap those old hinges!

Still quite rare, beautiful and appropriate for gentle handling considering age and fabrication.

These pieces are just so special and so unique, specific to the region in France where they were passed down from mothers to daughters as a symbol of pride of their Catalonian heritage. Symbols of pride and highly collectible to antique jewelry enthusiasts as much as ever today!

French stamps for 18k on the latches with goldsmith stamp.

Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures. Antique box is not included.

MEASUREMENTS:
20mm top to bottom, the stones are about 12x9mm.

The pair weighs 2.2 grams.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

Quite a bit of patina to the gold but the stones are in really nice condition so they were gently worn. Very well cared for, with a nice sheen and polish overall and a beautiful color and glow. The raspberry pinkish purple colors with the light reflecting foil giving it a lighter glow within - swoon! Again these 125 year old gold hinges need a gentle hand and 24/7 wear is not recommended.

Thanks so much for looking at my items!

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#qc.%5@