ABOUT:
Shimmering 1800s antique French Victorian dormeuse earrings with scalloped outline and ball rivet details. With the tiered layers of rich and textured antique 18k gold, these really put off a beautiful glow. One has some damage, sold as is, see notes below.
The wires have a hooked end that are inserted from the back of the ear and latch into the little ball loop atop the front of the earring. These can be finicky to wear if you are not familiar with this style. They need very gentle handling. They remain super popular but do take some practice and tactile strength to latch them while in the ear and these are sold as is with some wear so I would recommend only wearers familiar with these take the plunge : ).
These are always dainty, their names themselves translate to "sleepers", meant to be worn at night to keep the ear holes open but we do not recommend 24/7 wear now due to age and fabrication of the 100 year old gold hinges.
Stamped with the French hallmark for 18k gold used primarily in the 1800s.
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:
17mm top to bottom, the ear pendant parts alone are 12mm wide and 6.5mm deep not including the ear wires.
The pair weighs just 1.4 grams combined.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
One earring is missing the top most flourish. The scalloped outline remains the same but when the two are side by side you can see one petal is missing. Sold as is. There is also a little curve to the bottom as well and the back of the ear wire is angled slightly but attempting to bend it could snap it. The hinges aren't super wobbly compared to many I have had and they do latch securely. They both have ripples to the back.
They are 150+ years old with old gold hinges so we don't recommend for 24/7 wear, it takes a little practice and patience inserting the hooked end from behind and then latching them while on the ear. Still beautiful and appropriate for gentle handling considering age and fabrication.
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.
