What periods do these earrings come from?

The pieces span the Regency, Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco periods, extending into the mid-twentieth century. Victorian and Edwardian examples dominate the selection, accompanied by 1920s, 1930s, and 1960s designs.

What materials are used in the drops?

Makers utilised various stones including garnet, amethyst, sapphire, zircon, and rock crystal. Organic materials like coral, Whitby jet, Baltic amber, baroque pearl, and tortoiseshell also appear. Precious metals include 9ct yellow gold, 15ct gold, 18ct white gold, and silver gilt.

How do I care for antique gold wire earrings?

Store them carefully to protect delicate elements like coral, Whitby jet, and amber from impact. Avoid exposing organic materials and paste stones to water or harsh cleaning chemicals. Clean the gold wires gently with a soft cloth to preserve the antique finish.

Are all the wires made of solid gold?

Listings record 9ct gold, 15ct gold, and 9ct yellow gold wires supporting the drops. Some historical pieces combine silver gilt or silver settings with gold suspension wires.