Sold 20 April 2026 · Mitaine

This “Victorian Pique Tortoisehell Earrings” found a buyer.

It was listed by Mitaine. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Tortoiseshell Jewellery Victorian Tortoiseshell Jewellery Ask the dealer for something similar

Description

Tortoiseshell earrings were very popular during the victorian era, they were inlaid with gold and silver which is a skill which seems to have been lost, inlaying intricate designs such as these. The top part of the earring is set with a gold star and then the lattice work bottom drop is surrounded by little flowers so very intricate and so typically victorian. The Earrings are 5cms long and are truly unique.

Date of Manufacture

Mitaine has dated these Victorian Pique Tortoiseshell Earrings to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1181417

Description

Tortoiseshell earrings were very popular during the victorian era, they were inlaid with gold and silver which is a skill which seems to have been lost, inlaying intricate designs such as these.

“

The top part of the earring is set with a gold star and then the lattice work bottom drop is surrounded by little flowers so very intricate and so typically victorian.

Mitaine

The Earrings are 5cms long and are truly unique.

Date of Manufacture

Mitaine has dated these Victorian Pique Tortoiseshell Earrings to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1181417

About the Dealer

Mitaine

Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2018

Specialises in antique fine jewellery

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Mitaine Profile Page

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A pair of antique Victorian drop earrings featuring teardrop-shaped tortoiseshell inlaid with intricate gold pique patterns.

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Archive I

Victorian Pique Tortoisehell Earrings

Archive II

A pair of antique Victorian drop earrings featuring teardrop-shaped tortoiseshell inlaid with intricate gold pique patterns. View II

Mitaine

Telephone 07940 113 228

Location

Gloucestershire
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/mitaineshop

Verified Since Nov 2018

Items For Sale 133

Items Sold 556

Email Mitaine

Victorian Pique Tortoisehell Earrings

Ref: SA1181417

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectEarrings
Period19th century
StyleVictorian & Gothic
MaterialTortoiseshell, Gold, Metal
ColourDark Brown and Gold
MotifsDrop design, Gold wire inlay, Geometric patterning, Floral accents

FAQs

Pique work is a decorative technique involving the inlay of precious metals such as gold or silver, as well as mother-of-pearl, into an organic base material like tortoiseshell or ivory, which gained immense popularity during the Victorian era.

These pieces typically combine genuine hawksbill turtle shell with fine gold or silver wire and foil, often mounted on metal findings of gold, gilt brass, or silver.

Authentic period pieces show distinct hand-cut inlay patterns, natural tortoiseshell colour variations under magnification, and appropriate period metal hook or wire construction rather than modern findings.

While personal items are not styled directly as interior decor, collector displays featuring antique jewellery boxes, glass domes, or velvet trays integrate these historic pieces into a study or dressing room aesthetic.

Organic materials like tortoiseshell are sensitive to moisture, direct sunlight, and extreme temperature fluctuations; they should be stored in a padded, dry environment away from chemical cleaners and perfumes.