help me understand Victorian classification for earrings?

[Dreamer_D]

Thank you for the wise and helpful tips. It is an entirely new experience to navigate, coming from anonymously buying mostly contemporary jewelry from bigger companies. I suppose this world seems a much more human process…for better and for worse. Trust does seem especially important so that buying (and returning) goes smoothly. It would be a big red flag to get a snarky answer to questions about an item you’re interested in! Or even no response. I love the look of antique stones but have been too nervous to try for a purchase, with the risks of potential inclusions, light performance, or just not being what I imagined when it arrives.

Yeah it is pretty different. There are some sellers that operate very small stores where it is more personal sales. Other companies like pawn shops and estate sellers still operate like most businesses you are familiar with. Except the aspect of negotiating price which as you say is very normal in the secondary/estate market but non-existent at big retailers!

Most of the bad vibes over gotten have been from private sellers. I’ve had mostly positive experiences with other vendors I’ve bought from or made inquiries with on Etsy and eBay.

Buying old cuts is a bit of a gamble. There are ways to judge what you will get pretty well now, even with poor pictures. I’m finding many old cuts have GIA reports these days, even from scrap and pawn sellers. And with some careful conversation you can get a sense of color and clarity etc from the seller. EBay has good return policies as a rule now, and verification for purchase over 500. Maybe you should start small and dip your toe in! People often post good buys in the “someone’s gotta buy this piece thread” and there’s lots of old cut lovers there who can help you evaluate things you might consider! But beware. Collecting old cuts is very addictive lol

 

[LightBright]

These earrings are a bit like your moonstones. The seller, who is knowledgeable and reliable, puts them at 1890s.

2.12 Carats Old European-Cut Diamond Earrings

Even something as simple and timeless as diamond ear drops, the Victorians did it best! This pair of antique earrings was crafted by hand circa 1890s during the Victorian era, in handmade 14 karat gold, with a rose undertone. Together they weigh 2.12 carats total in Old European-cut diamonds...

pippinvintage.com

I note these are 14k gold, like the moonstone earrings so maybe 14k was used in the late 19th Century after all.

 

[glitterata]

I note these are 14k gold, like the moonstone earrings so maybe 14k was used in the late 19th Century after all.

I think 14K was common in the US, while the UK preferred 15K.

Somewhere I have a bar pin with a similar setting. I can't remember whether the stone is paste or moonstone. I'll try to find it.

 

[MiniMinerva]

Yeah it is pretty different. There are some sellers that operate very small stores where it is more personal sales. Other companies like pawn shops and estate sellers still operate like most businesses you are familiar with. Except the aspect of negotiating price which as you say is very normal in the secondary/estate market but non-existent at big retailers!

Most of the bad vibes over gotten have been from private sellers. I’ve had mostly positive experiences with other vendors I’ve bought from or made inquiries with on Etsy and eBay.

Buying old cuts is a bit of a gamble. There are ways to judge what you will get pretty well now, even with poor pictures. I’m finding many old cuts have GIA reports these days, even from scrap and pawn sellers. And with some careful conversation you can get a sense of color and clarity etc from the seller. EBay has good return policies as a rule now, and verification for purchase over 500. Maybe you should start small and dip your toe in! People often post good buys in the “someone’s gotta buy this piece thread” and there’s lots of old cut lovers there who can help you evaluate things you might consider! But beware. Collecting old cuts is very addictive lol

Oof I think you’re right! Even just enquiring about a few items from various types of sellers, I’m noticing some of the things you mentioned. It will take some adaptation on my part for sure. Thanks for sharing your sense of the reduced gamble of buying old cuts these days, Seems like the water is warming and it could be time to dip a toe I was pretty close with that little eBay pear on the “someone’s gotta buy this piece” thread a couple of weeks ago! I hope someone on PS got it.

 

[MiniMinerva]

I note these are 14k gold, like the moonstone earrings so maybe 14k was used in the late 19th Century after all.

I’m noticing a lot of 14k from that era as I continue to browse as well. So it doesn’t appease to be a glaring anachronism, at least!

I think 14K was common in the US, while the UK preferred 15K.

Somewhere I have a bar pin with a similar setting. I can't remember whether the stone is paste or moonstone. I'll try to find it.

It would be really lovely to see your bar pin if you can find it!

Interesting tidbit about US v UK gold. Do you happen to know how testing is done to differentiate 14k from 15k? Most acid testing kits seem to be for 14k, so would much of the 15k test positive for 14k but negative for 18k and fly “under the radar,” so to speak?

 

[MiniMinerva]

The little earrings have arrived and they are lovely! The moonstone cabochons have a transparent and ethereal glow in almost all lighting and I am quite impressed with the quality of the perfect little star buttercup setting. Here are some pics of them, as well as a midcentury necklace that I’m considering pairing with them until I collect more antique pieces from their era. Sorry, I don’t do modeling shots so please don’t ask, but I can take more photos of the earrings if anyone is curious about any specific details! I really don’t see any markings for maker or purity anywhere.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Beautiful! I would really love some moonstones of my own. They look so lovely in all the pictures I have seen.

I think your earrings are lovely and they DO go very well with the mid century necklace you posted!

 

[LightBright]

I love them, and they look like a great pairing with your necklace. I love how they look like little gumdrop candies! Very beautiful, congratulations on the find.

 

[glitterata]

The little earrings have arrived and they are lovely! The moonstone cabochons have a transparent and ethereal glow in almost all lighting and I am quite impressed with the quality of the perfect little star buttercup setting. Here are some pics of them, as well as a midcentury necklace that I’m considering pairing with them until I collect more antique pieces from their era. Sorry, I don’t do modeling shots so please don’t ask, but I can take more photos of the earrings if anyone is curious about any specific details! I really don’t see any markings for maker or purity anywhere.

Those are absolutely stunning! I don't know when I've ever seen moonstone earrings I've loved more.

 

[JPie]

They’re beautiful!

 

[MiniMinerva]

Thank you so much for the support, everyone! It truly warmed my heart to see so much love for these. I’m tickled to officially join the antique jewelry club and I will remember the help and detective work from you kind PSers each time I wear this cherished pair of Aesthetic Movement earrings.

Beautiful! I would really love some moonstones of my own. They look so lovely in all the pictures I have seen.

I think your earrings are lovely and they DO go very well with the mid century necklace you posted!

Thank you! Ooh I really hope you find some that you like, because they’re an experience! These were my first moonstones and I had no idea what to expect…it felt like they came alive the moment I opened the box. The original images did not prepare me for the schiller effect at all, and the photos I took honestly don’t do justice to the adularescence. The blue glow from appears to come from within, rather than on the surface? It’s hauntingly beautiful. The resident gemologist was quite excited and told me these antique stones are really special — transparent and with very few inclusions, likely from old mines in Sri Lanka or Myanmar.

And thank you for the reassurance! I’m glad that you think think the mid-century necklace is a good match. I felt lucky that the gold is approximately the same rosy 14K color and the lines are complementary.

I love them, and they look like a great pairing with your necklace. I love how they look like little gumdrop candies! Very beautiful, congratulations on the find.

Well, I honestly think of them as *our* find on PS, as it was the expertise and advice on this thread that gave me the confidence to take the leap! So they are our yummiest little glowing gumdrops with their high bullet domes. I had so much fun learning from everyone here. Your generosity and patience with me are part of what infuses these earrings with true beauty. And I’m relieved that you think they pair well with my necklace…I would hate to commit an antique jewelry fashion faux pas after you all taught me about the different eras/movements!

Those are absolutely stunning! I don't know when I've ever seen moonstone earrings I've loved more.

Aww, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m absolutely smitten too! These little earrings are so full of life and I admire them in my hands for a few minutes each time I put them on and take them off. The Victorian jeweler did an impressive job fabricating a setting that showcases the beauty of these antique moonstones using clean timeless lines. They’re the perfect “gateway” antique for me that still fits in with my relatively more modern other pieces (so far, haha). Thank you for the help and guidance that led to me bringing them home!

They’re beautiful!

Thank you!! I always really enjoy seeing your pieces so that means a lot to me!

 

[viggy_luvs_bling]

Been a long time PS lurker but first time poster but love following the amazing expertise and knowledge this community brings. The earrings look AMAZING and hope you enjoy them in good health!