An exceptionally rare pair of 18K gold Renaissance period diamond earrings, circa 1600AD 1.5cttw, 6.09 grams. Appraisal and Authenticity Report included.
The design is simple and elegant. Set in a high dome of solid 18K gold the table cut diamonds give elegant flashes as the light strikes them. At the edge of the high dome settings there is the most beautiful detail which reminds me of the petals of a fine daisy. It's amazing workmanship especially when you consider the conditions under which these were made. These hand cut diamonds are foil backed. Foils act as tiny mirrors increasing the sparkle of a stone. Foils were routinely used in Renaissance jewels and their use continued into the early to mid Victorian period. By late Victorian times, the science of diamond cutting had progressed to the point where foils were no longer required.
In sunlight, due either to natural blue fluorescence or perhaps the foil backs reflecting the sky these pretty diamonds sometimes appear slightly bluish.
The pair have earring fittings which secure from the back of the ear lobe to the front. The hook fittings press in place into a secure loop above the top of the elegant diamond drop settings. They have a round loop on the top of the earring fittings which serves the purpose of keeping the earrings in place in the ears. This loop sits at the back of the ear lobe so the earrings present perfectly on the ears. I just love the handmade hinges on the earring fittings...it's exciting looking at the amazing workmanship and fine details of the construction.
1.5 carats diamond weight as estimated in the settings.
Each earring measures 7/8" long by 7/16" wide (22mm x 11mm). The diamond set portion of the earring itself measures 7/16" in diameter.
Testing confirms solid 18K gold. Together the pair weigh 6.09 grams.
They are in lovely antique condition commensurate with their age and authenticity they are ready to gift or to wear.
It's remarkable to think of the history of these astonishingly rare diamond earrings!
An Appraisal and Authenticity Report is included with your purchase.
We will ship the pair in a presentation box ready for gifting and for safe keeping.
The photos form part of the description. Like all colored stones there is a color variation that occurs in different lighting conditions both inside but also outside, even the time of day can make the color of a stone appear a little different. We do our best to show colors as we see them. Color perception is highly individual and some people can perceive more colors than others, also colors can appear somewhat different on different screens and devices due to variations in screen hardware and device display settings.
