Exceptional French Louis Philippe period long pendant Earrings, approx. 30 x 60 mm teardrops, 80 mm total length, (3 x 1\"), with elongated natural shell Cameo depicting Classical Man and Lady profiles facing each other.The portraits are not familiar with the accessories carried by Roman Gods or recognisable figures and I wonder if they were personal likenesses requested by the original customer as a grand tour souvenir. The marks of the tools used for the hand carving are lightly visible and the faces have asymmetry. They are quite plainly dressed in robes without any of the later Victorian details of Roman dress to include headresses, necklaces etc. but have appropriate textured hairstyles.
The Cameos are collet set in a gold mount with scrolled Rococo border reading as 10 carat gold on a Mizar tester.The reverse of the mount shows the hollow repousse back of the Georgian period to lighten the large Earring.
The Pendants are suspended from 18ct Gold French Dormeuses type Earrings with hinged frontfastening fittings. They are are well contoured and set with a Mabe Pearl which dates them later, possibly Art Nouveau, but they harmonize really well with the overall appearance as the nacre is a soft sheen and slightly uneven in shape and they have been worn together. The original Earring surmount may have been a smaller Cameo with hook fitting maybe worn as part of a boxed set but I have not seen any other Earrings quite like these!
Approx. weight 18 grams with a large flat area typical of Earrings worn circa 1830, English Georgian period.
Very good undamaged condition.
These Earrings look simply amazing worn without any other jewellery and compliment a variety of evening wear, ideal with an empire neckline or flowing chiffon.
Please check the sizes to confirm to yourself their oversized dimensions!