19th Century Carnelian Day and Night Earrings

How brilliant is the concept of a pair of earrings that can be worn by day or night? There were strict rules of dress and behavior in the early 1800's, one of these rules was no dangling earrings during the day, and so the Day and Night earring was created. During the day you would wear only the top, in this case a round carnelian set in a cut back collet with hinged wires, and when you went out in the evening you would add the drops and have an elegant long earring. These lovely earrings date from circa 1840.

Details.....The tops, day, earrings measure .60" x .31", with the evening drops added they measure 1.88" long, the drop measures .27" at its widest. All Vintage and Antique jewelry will show some wear. These have an old repair that is not visible from the front.