Antique Nouveau Amethyst, Cut Steel Earrings 14k $1NR

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We'd like to thank all of the folks who've been so generous with their compliments and positive feedback . We work hard to be worthy of our 100% rating and always try to provide 5 star service...so we hold the lightening fast priority shipping to actual cost with no handling fees and are pleased to offer free U.S. shipping of these earrings if they end over $100 . This auction is for a striking pair of late Victorian, Art Nouveau era earrings Theround earring face has a fabulous design embossed and beaded with Nouveau stylized Egyptian papyrus tops and pierced with three heart shaped clover leaves glittering with studded cut steel "gems" surrounding a cabochon cut natural amethyst. It's a shame that they ever stopped using cut steels; they offer a such a wonderful glimmer to the earrings. "Cut steel" jewelry had it's first hurrah in the 1780's when an enterprising English fellow discovered that if you formed steel into gem shapes and highly polished them, they had a twinkle that rivaled the best of diamonds. He, and others of the time, made whole suites of jewelry, buckles and most popularly, buttons. Our earrings started life as clothing buttons made circa 1890....yes, antique buttons! Ladies of the 1860's and '70's wore gowns which simply had less decoration but by the 1880's, dresses used much fancier fabrics and decorative trims. We've pictured a couple of Victorian era gals, one wearing her fancy cut steel buttons on a gown that is probably very similar to the one that our buttons once decorated and a lady wearing a pair of fabulous earrings. We just wanted to show that everything wasn't all dainty and sweet...the Victorians weren't afraid of big STYLE! The earrings are familiar to others we have listed, though in this case they have none of the kiln fired enamel we all love. They were a lucky and unique find in a box lot and to dress them up, we added the genuine amethysts. So, the earring "face" is antiqued brass with steel studs and the vintage style ear wires are new, solid 14k yellow gold. The earring face measures 27mm in diameter and they hang 1 and 1/2 inches long in the ear. They weigh 9.1 total grams or 4.5 grams each. For reference, a single US quarter measures 24.2mm in diameter and weighs a much heavier 5.6 grams. The earrings are in excellent, ready to wear condition. We are professional jewelers with an eye tuned to see beauty...and we see it every where, even in a ornament as humble as an antique clothing button! We're tired of our fine jewelry clients asking for something "unique" and picking the same thing that everyone else has...apparently, a lot of YOU feel the same way because over the last three and a half years we have successfully made and auctioned so many, many pairs of fabulous earrings. Every pair of our earrings are signed with a "A" in a diamond shape...we stand behind our work and the "Ace of Diamond" trademark is the proof. After opening the thread loops to act as "catchers" we attach solid 14k gold ear wires using our laser welder. The welder literally uses a laser beam to perfectly fuse the metals together; no sloppy solders or ruinous torch flame. We always use solid 14k so you have "good" gold for your ears...we don't want less, why would you? Some gals have been nervous about wearing the shepherd hook wires but are always relieved the find that the catchers make them very secure. No more fumbling with (and losing!) little ear nuts...that and the wires give the earrings a saucy, eye catching swing. We can't help wonder what type of dress these buttons decorated...did they stroll the boardwalk under a fancy parasol and a feathered hat? The finest gowns will soil and fade but someone treasured their beautiful dress enough to save these buttons as a keepsake. For this we are so very grateful because they make a truly striking pair of earrings. If these are YOUR earrings, don't hesitate and bid now! For our international bidders: We get such a thrill knowing that we have successfully shipped to England, France, Hollan... read more

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