Victorian Earrings, that is earrings made during the time period that Queen Victoria of England ruled are rare. During the early period of her reign (1840-60) earrings were considered very unfashionable. The Fashion of the times dictated that a lady cover her ears so as not to appear to unduly forward.
By the mid 19th Century earrings were once again fashionable. Earrings were appropriate for day, as well as evening. They were bold and made from a variety of materials.
The earrings below are crafted of tortoise shell and 14kt gold.
Victorian earring in original condition are pierced. It is not until the turn of the 19th Century that we find non pierced earrings.
The creation of non pierced earring backs must have created quite a sensation. I imagine that the new invention was embraced by the fashion forward woman of the day.The piercing of ones ears in the early 20th Century gradually fell from fashion.In the United States it was not an uncommon perception that only gypsies and women of questionable virtue pierced their ears.
One rarely finds similar pairs of Victorian Earrings.
They are a fun item of antique jewelry to hunt for and what collector doesn’t enjoy the hunt! Happy collecting! If you are looking for something specific, we can help you at Beauchamp Jewelers.
