Bows & Glitter : Antique French Paste Pendeloque Earrings in Silver

Sold Long and decadent French pendeloque earrings with a Portuguese influence. Pendeloque earrings were favourites of the European nobility throughout the 18th and 19th Centuries. They were the perfect compliment to the high hairstyles and plunging necklines worn to formal evening events – glittering seductively by candlelight at dinner parties and balls.  This pair was made in France in the late 1800s – it’s a rare treat for me to have found them, they were hiding in a box of vintage marcasite brooches! Manufacture:  Handmade in 93.5% silver (more pure than Sterling) and set with hand cut foil-backed paste stones imitating diamonds. The earrings fasten with screw backs but can be converted to hooks. French hallmarks can be found on the reverse of both earrings – double boars head marks on one and the small French makers mark cartouche (poincon) on another. Unfortunately the first initial of the makers mark is unclear, but there is an anchor in the centre, followed by Cie to the right – French for “& Co.” The best match I can find for this mark is for Dreux & Cie who were manufacturing in 1895. This date would correspond with the screw back fittings which appear to be original. Formed in three linked sections which allows the earrings to swing gracefully. The topmost section is formed as a bow and has the screw back fittings to the reverse. The lower sections show stylistic inspiration from Georgian era Portuguese pendeloque earrings. The paste stones are foil backed and individually hand cut. The stones are individually grain or bezel set. The earrings measure 72.3mm x 18.9mm x 4.75mm. Weighs 18.84 grams (pair) Of note is a small asymmetry between the earrings. While all of the stones are hand cut ‘old mine cut’ paste, one of the earrings is set with a pear cut stone while the other has an elongated oval in the same position. All stones appear to be original and there are no signs of repair, so I think this is just a quirk rather than a fault. The asymmetry is not noticeable when the earrings are worn, indeed most people don’t notice it until I point it out. Condition:  Excellent antique condition. No faults to note, ready for immediate wear.