ABOUT:
Can't seem to find enough of these little French diamond dormeuse earrings! And these are about as good as I've been able to find (in over a decade!) when it comes to quality, sturdiness, condition, clarity etc. of an all original antique Victorian era pair.
The diamonds total about 1 1/4 total weight, with sparkly eye clean old mine cuts displaying a wonderful, sought after kozibe effect reflection that only antique diamonds can provide. These leading up to the smaller little rose cuts above. These have an ornate setting with little fleur de lis crown prongs in platinum as was customary for the period to set diamonds in a white metal. The rest of the fabrication is in rich antique 18k gold with the French hallmarks from the antique period to guarantee their age.
What surprises me is the condition. The lever backs still have spring and there is a tiny catch to hook the ear wire into. These aren't as finicky to wear as the ones that are inserted from the back of the ear. These are put in at the front and then latched into the levers behind the ear. The hinges are firm, the latches are tight, the prongs are in good shape, these are so lovely. Hard to believe they are over 125 years old with those intricate hinges and latches functioning so well. (We still always recommend a gentle hand and advise against 24/7 wear for pretty much all antiques).
Antique box 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.
SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:
The diamonds are each about 5.1mm and around .58 carat per stone. I couldn't get an exact depth measurement because the setting interferes with my caliper and I would never remove them for exact weight but with the 2mm rose cuts on each, total carat weight is around 1.25 carats for the pair.
13.7mm top to bottom, the bottom stone settings are 7mm wide by 6mm deep not including the lever backs.
The pair weighs 3.2 grams combined.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
In about as good of condition as I have been able to find in years. They actually still have a small click at closure when you get them hooked into the backs so they close and stay closed, hinges are still springy.
The old mine cuts are eye clean with just the tiniest speck inclusions seen only under strong magnification and even then not much to be found. The rose cuts are a bit frosty but some of that is build up to the back which is hard to reach for detailed cleaning. They are clean and sanitized but I am always gentle in my scrubbing of antiques : )
These are very popular, all original antiques - Still beautiful and ready for regular wear.
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.
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