This pair of drop earrings is shaped like little strawberries studded with cut-steel rivets. Their design has a three-dimensional quality, and the crown and fruit dangle individually.
Cut-steel was a novelty material in the 18th Century. Tiny steel rivets would be polished and hammered into place individually to create a bright sparkle, faintly mirroring the appearance of diamonds.
A lot of these designs are surprising to our modern eye because they combine the ‘cold’ steel with whimsical designs that depict elements of nature, such as animals and flowers, or in this case, fruit.
Since the rivets are made from steel, lots of cut-steel jewels from the 18th and early 20th century have unfortunately been damaged by rust, making antique cut-steel jewels quite difficult to find.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: The earrings are 34 mm long from hook to end; each strawberry measures 16 x 11 x 11 mm.
Weight: Combined 8.90 grams.
Age: 18th Century, circa 1760s.
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor signs of wear, consistent with age: a few rivets at the back have slightly oxidized, but overall the steel is still in great condition.
Please note that the antique box is intended for display purposes only. This shop is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties.
Beoordelingen
Er zijn nog geen beoordelingen.