-Portuguese Iberian 1850 Dangle Drop Filigree Earrings In 21Kt Gold With Seed Pearls

Magnificent Portuguese dangle drop earrings. 

Beautiful and very unusual pair of antique Iberian dangle drop earrings, created in Portugal, during the Victorian era, back in the 1850 or earlier. Crafted with the filigree technique in solid yellow gold of 15, 18 and 21 karats and embellished with white seed pearls. Delicate natural seed pearls cover the entire surface of each earring, forming a fine "pavé" setting. Each pearl has a soft, creamy color and shimmery natural luster. The pearls are each carefully hand strung on fine thread, which is woven to create a mesh pattern. Many additional seed pearls decorate the round parts above. When worn, the earrings frame the face beautifully, dangling with lovely free movement. Their lady-like appearance is quite unique, and would make a special addition to any antique jewelry collection. They are fitted on top with French wires for pierced ears.

Note: We are offering in our other listings, the brooch en suite matching this dangle drop earrings

Filigree

The word "filigree" comes from the Latin words "filum," meaning "thread," and "granum," meaning "grain." Filigree jewellery has been made for centuries, and its history can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Filigree is a technique, which entails working with wires of fine silver or gold, twisting and plaiting them into a rope. While some artisans would leave the rope and its wires in their cylindrical shape, others prefer to flatten them after twisting by using a rolling mill. Portuguese filigree is an art that continues to have a very manual production, which requires extreme expertise on the part of the artisan to work the very fine interlaced and welded gold or silver threads that make up each piece. It is, therefore, internationally recognized for its quality. In Portugal, artisans have used and continue to use filigree as a form of artistic expression in traditional jewelry, but also of Portuguese culture through its designs in the form of flowers, waves or fish scales.

Seed Pearls 

Seed pearl is so named because of its size – usually less than 2 millimeters in diameter. These are natural pearls and can vary quite a bit in color, from milky white to an elegant gray. Their imperfect nature is part of their charm, making each piece they adorn a unique treasure. They were very popular during the Victorian period as accents set into gold jewelry or woven into long fringed necklaces. Seed pearls were popularized during the Victorian era as a means to accent more elaborate pieces of gold jewelry or long fringed necklaces. From the last quarter of the 18th century up to the first quarter of the 19th century, during the Georgian and Victorian eras, they was a great demand for seed pearls for adornment.

Pearls: Mounted in filigree woven wires as a pavé, with natural white seed pearls. Each one about 1 mm.

Birthstone: Pearls for the month of June.

Weight: 8.50 Grams, (5.45 Dwt).

Measurements: The earrings hang 53 mm with a width of 13 mm (2.09 x 0.52 Inches).

Hallmarks: Unmarked. The gold was electronically tested for 21Kt (.916/.999 Au).

Collateral: These earrings are accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of these earrings are excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The pearls are secured in the settings. This pair has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: E031024MAEN/.2495