Victorian
A Pair of Antique Colombian Emerald and Diamond Drop Earrings
A pair of Victorian emerald and diamond drop earrings c.1860. Each earring is set to the top with an emerald-cut Colombian emerald within a frame of old cut diamonds, beneath which is a single old cut diamond suspending a pear shaped Colombian emerald drop in a gold collet setting and a closed domed back, the pear shape emerald is articulated and hangs within a separate frame of old cut diamonds all set in silver backed with gold and with open backs. To the reverse are post and clip fittings.
POA
Information
Subtitle
Victorian
Period
1750-1900
Period
circa 1860
Gemstone
2 x antique cushion cut Colombian emeralds
2 x antique pear shape Colombian emeralds
Emeralds are estimated total - 8.50cts
78 x old cut diamonds estimated total - 4.50cts
With SSEF certificate for Colombian origin (minor)
Setting
Gold and silver
Dimensions
Length: 5cm/ 1.9"
Width: 2cm/ 0.78"
Weight Description
16.7 grams
REF
126745
Director’s Notes
Historically, the very finest quality emeralds have been found in Colombia, in particular three key mining areas - Muzo, Coscuez and Chivor - which between them have been supplying the world with exceptional gems for many hundreds of years. Stones from these locations are widely regarded to be the most beautiful and intense in colour with a purity of green unmatched by those from any other source. Whilst the earliest record of emerald mining was in Ancient Egypt, indeed Cleopatra loved these gems so much she is reputed to have had her own mine, the beauty of the stones from Colombia could not be rivalled. Since the 16th Century these stones have been widely traded throughout Europe and their superiority in terms of colour and size meant they quickly became the most highly prized emeralds in the world. Mining in these areas continues today and they are still producing exceptional quality gems which are as desirable today as they were to the early Colombians who first discovered them.
