Late Georgian Girandole Diamond Earrings

Dating from early in the 19th century, these Georgian girandole pendant earrings are composed of over four carats of diamonds and silver-topped gold. Each is designed as a floret top suspending three flexible pear-shape pendants, set throughout with square and cushion-cut diamonds. Light and full of movement and sparkle, these rare antique earrings are still ideally adapted to enliven and illuminate the eyes and face.

Dimensions: 2.75" length, 1" width.
Materials: 158 square and cushion-cut old mine diamonds (approximate total weight 4.73 carats); Silver-topped 18K gold
Gram Weight: 9.6

The long and widespread popularity of this style of earring has 18th century advances in lighting technology to thank. During this period, interior illumination greatly increased in sophistication. In wealthy homes, newly invented, large gilt bronze candelabras, known as girandoles, generously fitted with pendant, cut-glass crystals, revolutionized night time entertainment by effectively casting white, spectral, and scintillating beams of light around salons and dining rooms in far-reaching flashes. With the discovery of new mines and alluvial fields in Brazil in the 1720s, jewelers turned their attention again to the matchless capabilities of diamonds as playthings of light. The diamond earrings inspired by the success of the girandole design achieved the same delightful illumination effects for the wearer's face.