Victorian Piqué Earrings

These lovely Victorian piqué work tortoiseshell drop earrings are a fine example of the craftsmanship and elegance of 19th-century jewellery. The earrings are delicately crafted from tortoiseshell, a material highly prized during the Victorian era for its rich colour and smooth, glossy finish. The tortoiseshell has been shaped into rhomboid (diamond) forms, with each piece carefully inlaid with intricate gold and silver floral motifs, including flowers and leaves. This technique is known as piqué work, a highly skilled method that involves inlaying precious metals into the tortoiseshell to create detailed designs.

Piqué work was particularly popular during the Georgian and Victorian periods, and it represents the height of craftsmanship in decorative jewellery. Artisans would use thin strips of gold or silver to create elaborate patterns, which were then meticulously inserted into the surface of the tortoiseshell. The contrast between the dark, warm hues of the tortoiseshell and the bright shine of the gold and silver creates a striking effect, enhancing the overall elegance of the piece.

The earrings are "light as a feather," a testament to the natural lightweight quality of tortoiseshell, making them comfortable to wear despite their intricate design. The choice of tortoiseshell for these earrings also reflects the Victorian fascination with nature, as the floral and leaf motifs evoke a sense of the natural world. Tortoiseshell, combined with gold and silver accents, was often used for both everyday and more formal jewellery, making these earrings a perfect example of Victorian style that is both beautiful and functional. Circa 1870.

Measurements: 6.2cm long excluding the shepherds hooks x 10mm wide at the widest point.