Victorian 18k Swiss Enamel Dangle Earrings

Swiss Enameled pieces were commonly produced to be sold as souvenirs for Victorian travelers. A very fine type of enameling, this technique used very intricate detail and often portrayed scenic Swiss Alps villages with streams, mountains and wonderful homes and churches. These serene images were produced by first covering a piece of metal in a neutral enameled color. A wonderful detailed picture was then painted on the enameled base and re-fired to set the image. A clear glaze was then applied to the image to preserve it. The pieces were often set in a hollow frame making them very light and comfortable to wear.

A beautiful pair of dangling earrings from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Crafted in 18k gold, each earring forms the shape of an elongated vessel with a lovely detailed surface. The surmount of each earring is represented by a single black and white flower with detailed gold accents. Hanging from the flower is an elongated link, which has a curvy and stacked 3-dimensional shape and is inlaid with a rich black and white enameled design. The enameled design is quite intricate, consisting of white floral and geometric shapes surrounded by a black background and yellow gold accents.The design is simply marvelous and carries onto both sides of the earrings. Although these earrings do not depict a scenic Swiss image, they are indeed an absolutely wonderful example of the Swiss Enamel fine craft! Extremely light in weight, the earrings have a hollow center and are very comfortable to wear. These wonderfully elaborate and unusual earrings are a must for any Swiss Enamel collection!

Measurements: The earrings hang approximately 2 3/8" long, are 5/8" at the widest point and a little less than 1/4" thick.

Condition: The overall condition of the earrings is excellent. There are a few minor chips in the enamel however this does not at all take away from the beauty of the earrings and this is not unusual for enameled earrings from the 1880's.