Iberian Gold Long Drop Earrings with Four Large Natural Citrines

These possible Spanish, or broader Iberian, gold long drop earrings have the kind of mystery that makes antique jewellery so compelling. Their exact date remains elusive: they may have been made as early as the late eighteenth century, yet details could also point to the nineteenth century, or even the very early twentieth. Four large natural citrines glow from golden yellow to orange, their warmth gently lifted by small half seed pearls. A striking, sunlit pair with presence, history and charm.

Jewellery Type
long drop earrings

Condition
very good condition, with present ear wires being later replacements, carefully made after the form of the heavily worn earlier hooks.
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
Although these earrings do not carry any legible control marks, their workmanship suggests an Iberian, most probably Spanish, origin.

Style specifics
Mid 19th century Iberian jewellery, with an elongated pendant form, warm coloured gemstones and delicate pearl accents.

Period
late 18th to early 20th century
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Material 18K
warm yellow gold
more info on precious metals

Extra information
The generous size and warm colour of the stones fit well within the broader Iberian taste for richly coloured gems. Through Spain and Portugal’s long colonial presence in South America, stones such as quartz varieties, topaz and other coloured gemstones became more familiar in Iberian jewellery than in some Northern European traditions. This does not prove the exact origin of the stones in these earrings, but it helps explain their scale and visual character.

Precious stones
Four large faceted citrines
colour: warm golden yellow to orange yellow
Treatment: not tested
Eight natural half seed pearls

All coloured stone weights stated are approximate unless otherwise noted, as stones are not removed from their settings in order.
Gemstones are often treated to improve their colour or clarity. The stones in this piece have not been tested for treatment unless otherwise stated.

Birthstones
Citrine is the birthstone, or month stone, for November, while pearl is associated with June.
more info on birthstones

Hallmarks
No trace.
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Dimensions
height 5,60 cm (2,20 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
15,40 gram (9,90 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
26089-0351

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

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