-Victorian 1880 Etruscan Revival Classic Amphoras Drop Earrings In 18 Kt Yellow Gold
Etruscan-Roman revival ear drops pendants.
Magnificent oversized drop earrings, from the Victorian Era (1837-1901) circa 1880. These beautiful pair has been crafted with etruscan-roman revival patterns in solid yellow gold of 18 karats, with high polished finish.
The main elements are two conical amphorae with swan-shaped handles. These hang from two straight tensors attached to a round element simulating a shield. They are suited with hinged flexibles French hooks for pierced.
These extraordinary ear pendants are made with extreme elegance and the design was made with soft and simple lines, without exaggerating with ornate decorative motifs, typical of the time.
Weight: 40 Grams, (25.64 Dwt).
Measurements: 83 mm by 27 mm (3.25 x 1.06 Inches).
Swan, is the meaning of grace, beauty, love, trust, and loyalty. Swan symbolism is also linked to inner beauty and self-love. The swan is an emblem of feminine beauty and softness and has even had operas and ballets written about it. In Wagner’s 1848 opera, Lohengrin, the Swan recreates the romanticized tail of the Swan Knight, or the son of Percival, who travels on a boat pulled by Swans and rescues a Damsel in distress. Though he is the hero of the story, the Swans symbolize the journey to find purity, love and romance, even at personal sacrifice.
Amphora, is a type of large jar originating from Greek and Etruscan pottery, widely used in the Roman Empire, characterized by being a tall fusiform-shaped vessel, with a narrow neck and two openwork handles on the sides of it, usually ending in a point to place it sunk in the sandy soil or on an upright. It was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as the main means of transporting and storing grapes, olives, olive oil, cereals, fish, wine and other commodities. However, during the Roman period it was also frequently used for funerary purposes, as a container for the ashes of the deceased. The average volume of an amphora was about 25-30 liters.
The Victorian, era is one of the most influenced and influential periods of antique jewelry. This period is defined by the British monarch, in this case, Alexandrina Victoria, the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, as well as the Empress of India, years 1837-1901. There are 3 sub-periods within this era. First, the early, Romantic period, which is soaked in traditions, natural motifs in gold and silver, clear stones only being worn during the day and colored gems by night.
The second being the Grand or mourning period, which coincides with the death of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert the consort, who died in December of 1861. This period included large, dark, somber, dramatic jewelry, with a lot of black onyx, jet wood, amethyst, garnet and gold. This lasted until 1880's, when the aesthetic period of jewelry began.
The Late or third stage of the Victorian period, use more complex and feminine motifs, returning to the natural, including many floral and celestial designs, with more decadent gemstones, lasting until the turn of the century. The Victorian era of jewelry includes many movements found in other countries, including revivals such as the Etruscan the Roman and the Egyptian as well as the Art Nouveau, Liberty style and Arts and Crafts design movements which lead into the beginning of the twentieth century.
Note: Etruscan Revival jewelry reflects the fascination of Victorian era women with the Etruscans, an ancient people who lived on the west coast of Italy between 700-300 BC. The discovery of Etruscan tombs during the 19th century inspired many Etruscan Revival jewelry collections in yellow gold with gemstone cabochons.
Collateral: They 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. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: E0000AINN/.9616