Garnet and Gold Earrings

A darling and petite pair of 8 karat gold earrings. A central emerald cut red garnet is framed in gold, accented with a delicate milgrain edge, and framed in a halo of smaller checkerboard cut garnets, also framed by a milgrain gold bezel border. These “dormeuse” or sleeper earrings are a style designed to be comfortable and facile to wear - so much so that they may even be worn to sleep, if desired. They are put on with the hook through the back of the earlobe and fasten in the front, through a golden loop just above the gemstone element of the earrings. These antique earrings are in wonderful condition for their age, ready for a second lifetime of wear. Two of the garnets in one earring are replacements - faceted brilliant rather than checkerboard cut gems. This repair is difficult to discern without magnification and virtually impossible to detect when worn - see photos for details. As Aristotle wrote circa 322 B.C.:  “The garnet is a red gem, but not like the ruby; its red is much more like that of a flame ... It forms far in the east ... If correctly cut and polished, it will reveal all its beauty and perfection.”

More details:

13.2mm front to back, 9.7mm front to back (inside of hoop,) 15.7mm top to bottom. Garnet and gold gallery measures 10.1mm tall and 8.5mm wide.

Excellent antique condition

8k (stamped)

1.5 grams

All purchases arrive in a gift box, wrapped with a ribbon.