Hand painted miniature portraits were the predecessors of photographs. When there was no other way to record a likeness of someone, the miniatures were treasured and passed down in families. Some portrait miniatures were painted of a specific person, and others were of classic style beauties rather than a particular real person. Often, these pieces were made into jewelry and worn as decoration, such as our set. Romantic, beautiful ladies were a favorite with Victorians!
Finely crafted in a thin layer of gold over silver, called 'rolled gold', these earrings have beautifully hand painted ladies adorning two sections of each earring. The larger bottom pendant depicts a lovely, veiled woman, while the top portion showcases a younger girl, perhaps mother and daughter, or maybe an allegory portraying a young lady growing into womanhood. Either way, these are astonishing in their artistic beauty, and will remain a prize in your collection !
Details (approximate)
Dimensions: 2 25"
Weight: 3.8 grams each
Materials: Hand Painted Porcelain, Gold, Rolled Gold
Metal: 14K gold hooks, Rolled Gold
Marks: None
Condition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear