Description
Date: c. 1860-1880s
Materials: seed pearls, black enamel, solid 18k yellow gold (unmarked; tested with acid & electronic gold tester in two locations (ear wire and body))
Weight: 7.7 grams
Height / drop of earrings: 36 mm
Diameter of circular medallions: 18.4 mm (larger), 9 mm (smaller)
Max. depth of earrings: 5 mm
Diameter of ear wires: 1 mm (20 gauge wire)
Condition: excellent antique condition. Recuerdo lettering still clear, without loss to black enamel. The etched textured background is still crisp. The back of the earrings show two tiny hollow fittings; dangling decorative chains probably once suspended from these fittings, but has since then been removed. There is light age-related surface wear to the gold.