Exquisite Victorian 15 carat gold and natural shell earrings c.1860.
The long tapered shells are caged by gold snakes and capped with engraved gold mounts.
The tops are period but mismatched one being a rare naturalistic fly design the other a classical cherub head within a twisted border. One could easily replace with plain tops but I think the quirky designs of both of these tops fit well with the precious shell drops and their serpents.
The shells used are beautiful spiral turretella ‘unicorn’ shells and reflect the early to mid Victorian fascination with the natural world, it’s beauty and fragility.Such exotic shells offered a connection to the sea and its wonders.
2.2 inches long.