DATE: Victorian, c.1880

Antique torpedo earrings date from the late 19th Century, circa 1880, set with pearls and gold stars on black enamel. The bottom sections are articulated, and dangle freely from the domed tops.

"Torpedo" earrings (named after the self propelled underwater explosive projectile with which they roughly share a shape. Obviously they weren't called torpedo earrings back then...) came into fashion in the early 19th Century, often ultra long and embellished with fine cannetille goldwork. As the century progressed they came in and out of fashion, and examples from the latter decades - in line with general jewellery trends - became smaller and more wearable.

STONES 

Pearl

MEASUREMENTS 

Drop: 4.4cm

Width: 8.8mm

WEIGHT 

5.9g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 9k gold

CONDITION 

Very good, enamel is in great condition. There's evidence of an old repair at one of the bails