This is a pair of late Victorian earrings in 18k yellow gold cannetille with oval cut amethysts made circa 1900--or as I like to refer to them, the best earrings of ALL TIME!!  I've seen a lot of antique earrings in my day, but I have never, ever, EVER seen these and to paraphrase Indiana Jones--they belong in a museum!  All of this in my opinion of course.  But these ARE special, so special.  First of all they are huge, they brush my shoulders and when you first put them on you are blown away.  The sheer scale of them makes them very rare, as earrings of this style and period are usually a more wearable 2" to max 3" length.  These measure in at 4 5/8" length!  The overall artistry of these beauties is just incredible as well.  Though these earrings are technically cannetille, which we usually see in Georgian jewelry, the work here isn't as heavy in look as your typical Georgian cannetille.  What we have here is purposefully done filigree-like cannetille with negative space that is just as important as the positive.  What IS similar to Georgian cannetille is that these earrings may be large, but they're light for their size so they're not going to drag your earlobes down to the floor by the end of the night!  

I believe these earrings were likely made in Italy based on the style of the wirework and granulation.  I'm truly grateful that their previous owners took such good care of them and kept them together!  That's one of the tougher aspects of antique jewelry through the ages, if there is a pair of earrings then there are TWO pieces to keep safe and in good condition.  Lose one and well, you've now got yourself a pendant.  It happens all the time and while it can make for some beautiful pendants, from a historical and value perspective you always want to see the original pair.  Which is what we have here!

Measure 4 5/8" length x 2" at the widest.

Not stamped or signed but tested for metal content.

Each earring weighs about 10 grams.

Condition notes:  These earrings were later converted to post.  There is varying patina on the gold but particularly in the recessed areas.  This is normal and I do not recommend polishing or cleaning them to remove it.  A couple small areas are a tiny bit squished or bent.
