Coral “Shield & Pendant” Day-&-Night (Tops & Drops) Earrings

Archaeological Revival 18k Gold & Mediterranean Coral “Shield & Pendant” Day-&-Night (Tops & Drops) earrings
Circa : 1815 - 1830's, probably Italian; Georgian-Regency period

Coral : Deep near-red, with slight porosity in one faceted coral 'shield' top, due to tubular structure in the natural growth pattern of the coral.
Condition : Complete fine all original condition, with original Back-to-Front latching 18k earwires
Gold : 18k (tested). The 18k gold has darkened with age.
18k is 75% gold, which never darkens, but alloys in the other 25% including copper - typical - do oxidize, especially over 150-200 years.
Jewelry set with Coral, an organic gem, cannot be cleaned with aggressive gold cleaners often used to brighten antique gold. These earrings have been cleaned only in warm soapy water, leaving the 200 years patina.

(In the 1815's-1830's, coral beads were frequently faceted.
Ref : Fales. Jewelry in America. p 122)

# 29007 ..........................................SOLD