Antique Jewelry: Victorian Earrings

Antique earrings from the Victorian era add a wonderful sense of history and romance to your jewelry wardrobe. Don one of these beautiful danglers and you'll fancy yourself transported back to a time of propriety and elegance.

Victorian earrings from the late 1800s usually dangle from French wires, rather than sit close to the ear. Hanging rows of rose cut diamonds were popular among the elite, as a slight turn of the head set them sparkling under the newly-invented electric lights. With the incorporation of electricity into wealthy households, candlelight balls became a wonderful showcase for the diamonds of the grand dames.

Victorian earrings were typically made of yellow gold. Because of the Victorians' interest in archaeology, ancient Roman and Etruscan jewelry motifs were popular. Such pieces are characterized by techniques such as chasing and granulation. Cameos and mosaics were sometimes incorporated into Victorian earrings for a particularly "antique" (ie. ancient) look.

Some Victorian earrings were made of pinchbeck or gilt metal. Gemstones that are often found in such earrings include Bohemian garnets, turquoise, coral and pearls. Antique earrings from this time period are usually large and ornately engraved, in order to complement the elaborate, voluminous fashions of the time.