TABLE Cut DIAMOND Antique GEORGIAN French Dormeuse Earrings 18k Gold

ABOUT:

Wonderful and rare French antique earrings the scarce table cut diamonds from the Georgian period set in closed, foil backed collet settings. The earrings are crafted in 18k gold with a beautiful crown like setting with fleur de lis prongs. The antique patina has a lovely, rich warmth with rosy highlights. I love how the old cut diamonds are suspended in the prongs above the ornate setting.

Would be a beautiful something old for a bride. Stamped with French 18k gold hallmark, the hallmark is later than the fabrication.

These table cut diamonds are one of the earlier methods of diamond cutting and are quite collectible. The ear wires are inserted from the back of the ear and hook into the little catch atop the earring.

These earrings are called "dormeuse" in French which translates to "sleeper", meant to be dainty and small, comfortable enough to sleep in, used in olden times to keep the ear holes open overnight : ) Of course these days we don't recommend all night 24/7 wear on these antique pieces with intricate 100 year old gold hinges. But considering age, the hinges and catches function quite well.

Please note the measurements. I always include them in each listing but people tend to miss them - I have to show zoom photos for detail which can make it hard to determine scale.

Antique boxes, chains, props in photos is not included. Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to decipher scale from photos.

SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:

The pair weighs 3.2g
They measure 16mm top bottom by 8.5mm wide and 6.5mm deep tall in crown prong (measuring just the ear pendant portion with the long prongs, not including the back wires).

The diamonds about 4.5x4mm widening out further in the collet settings an unknown amount, they have a nice depth.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

One has polished over crease inclusion on the table and a flake of loss to corner leaving a frosty unpolished area. The stone still fills the collet setting and appears complete to the eye, there are no gaps between the collet edge and the stone, it is more of a texture difference if you are looking for it.

There is some discoloration to the foil back so the diamonds read a a bit dark gray until you catch the surface. But part of this is that table cuts can appear darker to the eye since they do not have facets. Some light spotting to the foil backed stones seen under magnification. Rich antique patina to the gold. Latches work well.

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 : )

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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