STAR Bead Ball Rivet French Antique Victorian 18k GOLD Dormeuse Dangle EARRINGS

ABOUT:
Wonderful French antique dormeuse earrings in rich and warm 18k yellow gold with rosy highlights like only antique gold and their alloys used over 100 years ago can do : ). These have a starburst design in the center set with ball rivet details for an interesting 3D design.

Beautiful design that appears both antique and current on trend, would be a beautiful something old for a bride. These are inserted from the back of the ear towards the front, and latch into the little ball rivet detail atop the front of the earring.

These are often dainty and petite (they 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 their age. I don't carry many of these anymore for that reason but when I saw them in France I couldn't resist them.

French hallmarks used primarily in the 1800s and discontinued for 18k gold on the ear wires along with a goldsmith stamp and their later 18k secondhand stamp.

SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:
16mm from top of ear wire to base, by 9mm wide. Combined weight is just 1.5g.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

I gave the backs a light cleaning and they could use a bit more of a soak but I didn't want to risk losing the gorgeous patina.

These old pieces always need a gentle hand as pretty much all French dormeuse have a dainty fabrication (not to mention 125 year old hinges) but they latch securely and the hinges function well. These are very popular, I’ve sold many and buyers often report back that it takes 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 if you are not sure about this type fabrication, that is an important thing to consider as this is how they are all made.
Still beautiful and appropriate for gentle handling considering age and fabrication.

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).

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