These rare Georgian diamond earring began their life as part of a brooch broken beyond repair. We loved the beautiful stones and the edgy silver settings, so we saved them by adding 14k gold posts to the back to recycle them into earrings.

HISTORY

New discoveries in South American sterling mines of the 18th century led to a boom in the metal's use in jewelry. Used primarily in the popular cut-down collet settings of the era, silver was the go-to setting for diamonds, which were simultaneously pouring in from India and Brazil. While today it may sound funny to set arguably the most precious stone in a semi-precious metal, it made perfect sense back then, when white gold and platinum didn't exist! In the 18th and 19th centuries, the process of setting diamonds in silver (which dates back to the Baroque era) was in full fashion, as the "white" color of the metal was thought to better enhance and compliment the sparkle of the stone better than gold.

The use of reflective foil behind the stone was also common at this time. Foiling involves backing the gemstone with a sheet of metal to help better reflect light or add color.  In the Georgian and Victorian eras, this technique was used to bring out the best in a gemstone, before modern cutting practices and tools were around to maximize the stone's brilliance. Goldsmiths during this time had to get creative, and boy did they ever! Everything from metal to silk thread to peacock feathers were used, and before long, the craftsmanship involved in high quality foiling was elevated to an art of its own.

MATERIALS

Sterling Silver, 14k Yellow Gold, Old Cut Diamond

CONDITION

Very Good - stone and setting are in solid condition, with age-related wear and patina. Stone have small carbon inclusions that do not detract from their watery brilliance.

HALLMARKS

None

AGE

Early 1800s

SIZE

Earrings measure approximately 4.5mm in diameter, including setting. Soldered to standard size, solid 14k gold posts with 14k gold backs to match.