Antique Silver Dangles
These antique silver dangles combine swinging movement and period stones, bringing unmistakable swing to the earlobe.
Antique Silver Dangles
Antique silver dangles encompass drop earrings, chandelier forms and swinging components rendered predominantly in silver, sterling silver and silver-gilt mountings. When exploring antique silver dangles, buyers encounter pieces stretching from Georgian and Victorian iterations through Edwardian, Art Deco and Mid-Century designs.
How they were made
Craftsmen built these items using silver and sterling silver foundations, frequently backed or combined with gold, 9ct gold, 15ct gold, 18ct gold or platinum to securely mount stones. Foliate mounts, intricate wirework and closed or open settings held old cut diamonds, pearls and paste glass.
Techniques relied on hand-cutting gemstones such as old European cut and old rose cut diamonds, alongside setting calibrated onyx, turquoise, moonstone, and chrysoprase into structured tiers and cluster frames.
A monkey brooch joins the earring lineup, proving that Victorian artisans occasionally let cheeky primates join the precious metals.
What varies in quality
The calibre of these pieces depends on the precision of the stone setting and the integrity of the original metalwork, particularly around hinges, screwbacks and wire connections. Hand-cut diamonds and well-matched natural pearls or gem-grade stones elevate a pair above standard paste glass and base alloy components.
Artistry shows in the intricacy of the silver foliate mounts and the balance of the drop movement, where heavier clusters demand robust yet refined suspension systems.
Knoll & Pregizer·Teke Tribes
The Antique Silver Dangles Glossary
- Marcasite
- Small faceted pyrite stones set closely together into silver mountings to provide a sparkling metallic border. They are typical of Art Deco designs.
- Paste glass
- Hand-cut and polished lead glass used historically to imitate diamonds and coloured gemstones. It exhibits high refractive index.
- Screwback
- A mechanical earring fastener utilising a threaded post and screw mechanism to secure non-pierced lobes. This fitting gained popularity in the Victorian era.
- Chandelier drop
- A multi-tiered cluster earring design featuring cascading elements that fan outward like a hanging light fixture. These pieces offer substantial movement.
- Old cut diamond
- A hand-faceted diamond cut prior to modern brilliant standards, characterised by a smaller table and a higher crown.
Antique Silver Dangles: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wear screwback earrings?
Screwback fasteners require turning the threaded nut gently against the earlobe until the fixture holds securely without pinching. Adjust the tension gradually to maintain comfort during extended wear.
These closures suit non-pierced ears and allow vintage drop earrings to hang correctly without slipping forward.
Are these dangles suitable for daily wear?
Most antique dangles tolerate regular wear if handled carefully, particularly when fastening secure mechanisms like lever-backs or hinges. Delicate paste glass and soft gems require protection from knocks.
Store them separately in padded boxes to prevent stone abrasion and protect dangling components from bending.
How do I identify Art Deco earrings?
Art Deco dangles display geometric motifs, clean vertical lines and symmetrical arrangements incorporating materials like onyx, marcasite and chrysoprase. Platinum and white metals frequently frame these stones.
The style typically dates from the 1920s and 1930s, favouring stylised floral or architectural silhouettes over Victorian curves.