Victorian Large 4.5 Carats Total Antique Dangle Earrings Super Chunky Foiled Paste 18k Gold 4.5ctw Original Hand Made Mounts

I am selling an assortment of vintage to antique jewelry and rings which I have hunted for and gathered from around the world. Some examples seen in the last photo - thanks for stopping by!

ABOUT:

Timeless and romantic Victorian era earrings in 18k gold, each holding two paste stones, one larger and one smaller, with the stones meant to look like diamonds. The joy of paste is you get the bright white sparkle without the price! Especially to find in these extra chunky cuts - each stone measures about 2.2-2.4 carat so you can imagine the price multiplier if they were diamonds. I love how they are slightly wider than they are tall, and set east to west.

Ornate little crown prong setting with the smaller accent stone above. The fabrication is uncommon and fascinating. Usually we see foiled settings where a sheet of foil is behind the stone, followed by a domed gold setting. In this case, the foil is actually somehow applied to the bottom of the stone, like a metallic layer around the base, with the back side then colored gold. It's unbelievable how bright this leaves the foil side which adheres to the back of the stone, as there is no vacant space for water to cause rust or spotting. As such they are super bright white and reflective.

These have held up better than most for age with bright white color and sparkle.

The ear wires have a catch in the back to hook into.

Found in England. No hallmarks remain, they test at 18k gold. I was told from the jeweler I purchased them from that the mounts are hand made.

Antique box not included. Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to decipher scale from photos.

SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:

They measure about 15mm top to bottom by 8.5mm at the widest.
They weigh 2.7g combined.
The paste stones are about 7.8x7.2mm cushion cut, around 2.2-2.4 carats each, facing up compared to a typical diamond with this measurement. But this is an estimate as the exact depth of the stones is unknown. Total carat weight around 4.5ctw estimated.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
While the settings are sturdy and ready to wear, these are not appropriate for 24/7 wear with the way the reflective backing is applied. They should not get wet or soak. There are a few tiny seams where the backing has worn at the pointed facet joints but this is seen only under magnification. One stone with one area at the top corner with a few nibbles but the stones are better than most with a lovely sheen and polish. The smaller stones above have some abrasions and appear a bit gray but the larger are better than most. They are so beautiful in real life and are sparkling away here even in artificial light.

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! : )

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 : )

Thanks so much for looking at my items!

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