Found these in a Connecticut antique shop in 1985. They are very rare gold sailor earrings. They were listed that they were from London Connecticut. They are 18k/24k gold. They are soft and light. One earring has a small solder on the lower hoop. This was common as the gold could break easily. They say that sailor earrings were worn by sailors so if they died or washed up on shore the gold earrings would pay for their burial.
EARLY VICTORIAN TRAGEDY AND COMEDY SHELL CAMEO EARRINGS. It’s the face of the arts, it’s the root of the arts. The comedy and tragedy symbol dates back to Greek Mythology and has been the central representation of the creative arts for decades. Going back to Ancient Greece, it is said these masks were used in early plays to represent the emotions the characters were feeling. It was easier for audience members who were sitting far away from the stage to see the masks and the emotions they were portraying. Statement to the arts, and always connected back to theatre are these gorgeous and rare Comedy and Tragedy masks early Victorian Cameo earrings. These superb Victorian gold and shell cameo earrings depict two antique theatre masks as image. Exceptionally hand carved, both the curly hair, and the expressions are evident. Both cameos are clasped within ovals of 14 kt yellow gold. Each is surmounted by graduated gold beads characteristic of the period. Classic, and dating to the early years of Victorian era, these are a superlative example of the impressive delicacy and detail of the period utilizing neoclassical motifs. Both earrings with original back to front wire, made for pierced ears, gorgeous, meaningful, scarce and perhaps they are the top part of bigger set of earrings able to survive many decades. Artfully crafted during Victorian era in 14 Kt yellow gold, tested. Great to start your own collection of antiques or to add, perfect gift for art and history lovers. 14 Kt yellow gold, tested. 2 oval shell cameo depicting hand carved tragedy and comedy masks measuring approx 15.6 mm- 12.8 mm and 15.4 mm- 13.4 mm ; (all gemstones estimated on mounting). Each earring is 15.7 mm wide and 16.4mm high. Very good overall condition. International Buyers – Please Note. This item is in the category “Jewellery & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewellery\Earrings”. The seller is “antiquevelvetgloves-shop” and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped worldwide.
Style: Hoop
Base Metal: Gold
Type: Earrings
Antique: Yes
Vintage: Yes
Metal Purity: 18ct
Closure: Hook
Metal: Yellow Gold
Brand: Antique
Jewellery Department: Fine
Era: Victorian (1837-1901)
2 oval shell cameo: approx 15.6 mm- 12.8 mm and 15.4 mm- 13.4 mm
PLEASE SEE MY OTHER LOVELY ITEMS FOR SALE. Antique late Victorian 9ct Gold Earrings made from Very Early Plastic made to look like Coral with Beautiful little Seed Pearls Peas that I believe are real, not faults to be seen. These earrings are in very good antique condition. Hi, thank you for looking, PLEASE NOTE no boxes are included unless stated. When needed they will also be on a scale so you can see the weight, so – PLEASE SEE ALL THE PICTURES AS PART OF THE ITEMS CONDITION AND DESCRIPTION. PLEASE NOTE I WILL NOT SEND OVERSEAS WITHOUT USING’TRACKED’ SERVICE. The item “Rare! Antique Victorian 9ct Gold Earrings Very Early Plastic Coral Seed Pearls” is in sale since Monday, December 17, 2018. This item is in the category “Jewellery & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewellery\Vintage Fine Jewellery\Victorian (1837-1901)”. The seller is “hub4vintage” and is located in Whitstable. This item can be shipped worldwide.
