Скачать или смотреть Antique Victorian Piquè Mother Of Pearl Inlay Earrings Circa 1870

As rare as the proverbial hens teeth these superb Victorian Piquè earrings are simply exquisite.

Crafted quite probably in France, perhaps England, around 1870-1880 from Hawksbill tortoise shell in pendoloque drop style and meticulously inlaid with iridescent pieces of Mother of Pearl and silver wire work.
Articulated between the upper round pique sphere (with its one single tiny piece of MOP) to the bottom drop allowing movement which catches the various shimmering pinks, blues and greens which dance in the light!

**Pronounced ‘pee-kay’ the world pique comes from the French war ‘piquer’ (to prick) and therefore describes the craft of inlaying gold, silver, ivory or in this case Mother of Pearl into the tortoiseshell.
Discovered and perfected during the 17th century by the French Huguenots who later taught the English jewellery artisans the skill.
Prior to 1870 the materials are cut exclusively by hand allowing for incredibly fine and intricate detail**.

This fine and stunningly beautiful pair measure a drop from the 9ct gold shepherd hooks to the base of 5.8cm and at the widest ping 1.02cm.

Now a lost art due to the protection (and rightly so) of the Hawksbill tortoise and the necessary skill and craftsmanship to achieve this intricate work Piquè jewellery is becoming increasingly collectible and Paris of earrings doubly so!

STONES
Pique
Mother of Pearl
Silver
Gold 9ct shepherds hooks

ERA
Victorian 1837-1901

MEASUREMENTS
5.8cm Drop from ear
1.02cm At widest point

WEIGHT
6.52 Grams

MARKS
None

CONDITION
Very very good antique 150 year old condition.  No losses of Motor of Pearl or silver wire work.  No repairs.  Shepherds hooks original and strong with no distortion or bends.  No cracks of splits to the tortoiseshell.  No issues to note.