Transitional Belle Époque to Early Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Drop Earrings

Circa 1920, a pair of transitional late Belle Époque to early Art Deco drop earrings in platinum and 18ct yellow gold, each centred with an oval sapphire, together weighing approximately 12.40 carats, within a fine border of 58 diamonds and suspended from a diamond set terminal. The openwork backs and delicate millegraining keep the look light on the ear, yet the crisp oval frames hint at the decade to come.

Jewellery Type
earrings

Condition
very good condition
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
unknown

Style
Transitional, late Belle Époque moving towards early Art Deco, roughly the 1910s to early 1920s. See also: Art Deco.

Belle Époque (French for “Beautiful Era”) is a retrospective label for European taste from the late nineteenth century up to 1914, often associated in jewellery with lightness, elegance, and a preference for refined sparkle that later gives way to early Art Deco geometry.
Overview of style periods: style periods

Style specifics
This piece sits between late Belle Époque and early Art Deco, combining Belle Époque lightness with the first clearer, more structured lines.

Belle Époque
In jewellery, Belle Époque design is typically airy and refined, often using platinum or platinum topped gold, with diamonds set in openwork and finished with very fine detailing, for example millegrain, garland and ribbon motifs, bows, and lace like effects.

Early Art Deco
Early Art Deco begins to favour stronger geometry and symmetry, sharper outlines, and clearer contrast, while keeping precious materials and meticulous workmanship. Typical cues include stepped forms, a more architectural layout, and precisely placed accent stones.

Period
ca. 1920
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Material 18K
yellow gold and platinum (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Diamonds
Two old mine brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 0.24ct
56 single brilliant cut diamonds (also called 8/8) with an estimated weight of ± 0.40ct

Total diamond count
58 pcs.

Total diamond weight
approx. 0.64 crt with an average colour and clarity F/H, vvs/si

- When we provide weights, colour grades, and clarity of diamonds, these are approximate unless otherwise stated, as we do not remove diamonds from their settings to preserve the integrity of the piece.

- All diamonds, regardless of their size or shape, in our vintage and antique jewellery are verified as 100% natural by the IJGC laboratory.

Precious stones
Two sapphires with an estimated weight of ± 12.40ct

All color stone weights are approximate since stones are not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.
It is a very common practice to treat gemstones to intensify their clarity or colour. The item in question has not been tested in this regard.

Birthstones
Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and sapphire for September.
more info on birthstones

Hallmarks
No trace.
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
3,00 cm (1,18 inch) x 1,76 cm (0,69 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
6,30 gram (4,05 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
26007-0010

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

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