19th Century Day & Night Earrings French Hallmarked 18k Gold

These pretty earrings are handcrafted in 18k gold. The domed body and tops of the earrings have handpicked details, a dotted design, with a floral applique in pink and green golds, the outer frame is a flat twist design. When examined with a loupe the amazing handwork comes to life, the back of the earrings show the hand hammering used to achieve the shape, the front shows the hand graved border next to the twist frame.

This earring design is called Day and Night. In the evening the earrings would be worn in their entirety, for day wear the teardrop-shaped bottom pendant could be removed and the round top worn alone. The ear wires are put in thru the back of the ear and click into place into a little dome at the front.

The earrings are still in their original fitted box. They are hallmarked by the hinge pin, with the eagles head for 18k gold, there is also a lozenge-shaped makers mark, and my favourite French hallmark the Bigornes. The bottom dangle is also hallmarked on the ring where they attach to the top.

The French are very precise and detailed in their Hallmarking laws, the catalogue for marking places from 1838 states that earrings shall be marked at the heel support near the pin, and that is exactly where these are marked. The Bigornes mark was introduced in May 1838, the mark is layers of insects, the Parisian marks are presented in side view and the Provinces mark in a bird's eye view, this pair of earrings has a bird's eye view. Makers marks in a lozenge shape were introduced in 1838, as well as the Eagle head for a fineness of 18k gold.

Materials: 18k Yellow, rose and green gold

Date: mid-1800s

Measurements: The overall length 43.5mm, the tops when worn alone 21mm long and 12mm wide. The bottoms are 14mm wide.

Condition: Excellent