Aluminium jockey caps

A most unusual pair of earrings circa 1850, in the form of jockey caps. They are aluminium with gold wires. Due to the Victorian fascination with novelties in jewellery, aluminium enjoyed great celebrity status and was initially more expensive than gold – the first kilogram refined in 1854 was priced at 3000 French francs.  Jewellers experimented with the new metal and at the Paris Exhibitions pieces made from aluminium caused a sensation. These earrings are one inch long and 2/3 of an inch wide. I love it when I find something like these I have never seen before. Such fun.

£1450