These beautiful earrings each feature a micromosaic in tiny glass pieces depicting a red and green beetle or winged insect.
Circa 1870s-1880s, these may have been purchased as a souvenir in Italy.
One of the ear wires is marked, but it is unreadable. The other is unmarked and appears to be an early replacement. Both test as low karat gold or possibly gold filled. The earrings themselves are gilt brass.
The earrings will come boxed in the vintage black and gold earring box they were photographed with. Ready for gifting.
+++ Measurements +++
1 1/8" long, not including the ear wires
1 1/2" with ear wires
+++ Condition +++
Lovely condition for their age with some minor patina. The tesserae (glass pieces) seem to mostly be intact and none are loose.
If you zoom in on the photos you can see there may be a few tiny pieces missing, or it may be that the design was originally imperfect, but there are no major flaws and the earrings present beautifully.
+++ Please read +++
This item is not new, and as such, it has wear commensurate with age. As with all older vintage and antique items, please handle with care.
All items are sold as-is, and I do my best to point out all condition issues and provide a detailed description and photographs.
Unless specified, items have not been cleaned.
I do not accept returns or offer refunds. Please see all photos, read the entire description, and ask any questions before purchasing.