Victorian melon-cut banded agate girandoles

A striking pair of girandole earrings, circa 1840. They are 18 carat gold and set with melon-cut banded agates in the girandole form. Girandole earrings were  dramatic multi-stone pendant earrings featuring a decorative cluster top suspending three articulated drops. Named after branched 17th century candelabras, they were designed to move and catch the light in candlelight. These earrings have reverse fittings. Antique melon-cut agates were hand-cut fluted beads shaped like miniature melons or pumpkins. They feature deep vertical grooves which required great lapidary skill. The earrings are 2 and 1/3 inches long and 3/4 of an inch wide across the girandole drops. Very fine quality, with wonderful movement, rare and immaculate.

sold
Item ref : WA2