Vicmart

Important and rare antique Georgian era circa 1770 or earlier 18th century diamond drop earrings / ear clips. Possibly of Portuguese or French origin. The magnificent girondelle or garland cluster style drop earrings are paved with some of the finest rose / Dutch cut diamonds having a superb E-F range white color and brilliance and average VS clarity. All diamonds are extremely sparkly and lively with a spectacular appearance. Each earring has a drop shaped centerpiece diamond set en tremblant, hanging freely on a mall hook amid the drop shaped cluster. Each movement of the head creates the center diamond to tremble and add immensely to the appearance of the pair. The centerpiece drop shaped rose cut diamonds measure roughly 8.5 x 6mm and have combined estimated weight of about 1.50 carats. The rest of the diamonds have a round shape with 16 diamonds of diameters in the range of 4-5mm and another 56 smaller (1.2-2.3mm) diamonds closed set along the trefoil, leafs and branches of each of the ear clips. Combined weight of all 74 diamonds is estimated to be in the 6.0-6.5 carat range. Both earrings have a 15 karat yellow gold base, while all the settings are masterly executed in the typical for the era silver closed settings. Additionally, each of the pendants is detachable from a delicately placed hook at the base of each one of the clips, such that one could only wear the flower and leaves clips without the garland pendants. Both clasps of the clips have been expertly replaced at some time in the past with 18K yellow gold ones. Most likely this was done if the original clips were no longer strong enough to hold the earrings tight. Each piece measures 50mm long by 22mm wide (roughly 2” x 1”) where the pendant itself measures 31mm long. Gross weight of the pair is 19.5 grams and is in absolutely perfect and stunning condition. For recent sale references of similar 18th century rose cut diamond drop earrings, please refer to major Sotheby’s or Christie’s sales, where prices realized are in the $40,000-$90,000 range. Absolutely scarce and important antique jewelry collector set and one of the truly rare 18th century diamond drop pair of earrings and jewels.