These extraordinary Victorian earrings, crafted around 1830, tell a story of refined elegance and symbolism. Finely carved cameos, encased in rich 18K yellow gold and highlighted with black enamel, depict timeless profiles adorned with crescent moons and botanical motifs. These design elements suggest ties to mythology and nature, reflecting the Victorian fascination with storytelling through jewellery. A striking testament to 19th-century craftsmanship, these earrings are not just adornments but artefacts that connect us to an era steeped in beauty and meaning. Antique jewelry object group earrings long hanging Condition in very good condition, though there are slight imperfections on the surface of the black enamel. Country of origin Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of French or Belgian origin. Style Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era. See also: Victorian Period ca. 1830 Source of inspiration Mythology (?) Theme Mythology and femininity, reflected in crescent moons and botanical motifs, symbolising harmony and natural beauty. Material 18K yellow gold (touchstone tested) Techniques Enamelling is an old and widely-adopted technology. The ancient Egyptians applied enamels to pottery and stone objects. The ancient Greeks, Celts, Russians, and Chinese also used enameling processes on metal objects. Enamel is the colorful result of fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 degrees Celsius. The powder melts and flows and hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating on metal, glass or ceramic. According to some sources, the word enamel comes from the High German word smelzan (to smelt) via the Old French esmail. Used as a noun, "an enamel" is a usually small decorative object, coated with enamel coating, such as a champlevé or a cloisonné (different techniques). Cameo is a method of carving, or an item of jewellery or vessel made in this manner. It features a raised (positive) relief image. There are three main materials for Cameo carving; Shells or Agate (called a Hardstone cameo), and glass. Cameos can be produced by setting a carved relief, such as a portrait, onto a background of a contrasting colour. This is called an assembled cameo. Alternately, a cameo can be carved directly out of a material with integral layers or banding, such as (banded) agate or layered glass, where different layers have different colours. Sometimes dyes are used to enhance these colours. Cameos are often worn as jewellery. Stone cameos of great artistry were made in Greece dating back as far as the 6th century BC. They were very popular in Ancient Rome, and one of the most famous stone cameos from this period is the Gemma Claudia made for the Emperor Claudius. The technique has since enjoyed periodic revivals, notably in the early Renaissance, and again in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Hallmarks Illegible remains. Dimensions height 7,60 cm (2,99 inch) Weight 9,90 gram (6,37 dwt) Adin Reference Nº 24278-0417 - All jewels are delivered in an Adin jewellery box. Jewellery boxes shown in photos are for display purposes only and are not included with the jewel, unless stated otherwise. - Accompanied by a professional report of authenticity for your peace of mind. - Shipped insured and registered for your security, though you're most welcome to collect in person. - For shipments outside the EU, import duties and other charges may apply. We advise checking this in advance. - We invite you to browse through our customer feedback to discover the level of satisfaction we consistently provide. - See more of our products, visit: https://auction.catawiki.com/lotsfrom/Adin - Antique and vintage jewellery often undergoes thoughtful refurbishment, remodelling, or repairs to enhance its longevity and wearability. Such pieces frequently bear marks of this tender care. Furthermore, we present our antique and vintage jewellery in its authentic state, refraining from removing scratches or applying rhodium plating to white gold items. Our priority is to preserve the genuine allure and history of each piece. However, as the new owner, you have the option to take it to a local goldsmith for a cosmetic refresh, should you choose.