Edwardian Marcasite Swallow Earrings

No.218

STORY:  

To understand the symbolism behind the use of swallows in jewellery, we can look to the sea. In the victorian times, sailors spent months and years at sea on often difficult and dangerous voyages. It has long been said when a sailor spotted a swallow, they knew land was close and used the swallow to lead them home.  Symbolising safe passage and homecoming, they are the perfect gift for loved ones setting off on new adventures.   

DESCRIPTION: 

These earrings are beautifully detailed with hand facetted and set marcasites and delicate millegrain edging. If you look closely you can even see engraved details on the sparrow heads.  These earrings have been set in such a way that they sit diagonally on your ears. You can tell these have been hand made as they show the slightest differences in their design. The sparrows are sterling silver set onto??? earhooks. Pay close attention to the photos as these little earrings have some very sharp earwires. 

Condition:

They are in excellent condition - all stones present. The earwires are a little bent which is to be expected given their age. As you can see in the photos they can be worn without issue and look fabulous. There is a small scratch from the silver acid testing process. 

Era:

Edwardian 

Measurements:

The bids measure 14mm wide x 16mm long

The earwires are quite small/thin measuring 12mm x 6mm 

Hallmarks: 

none 

Materials: 

Silver (Tested - both earwire and drop), Marcasite stones

Provenance:

England