Antique earrings reflect the evolution of jewelry styles and techniques from the second half of the 19th century through the 1940s. Sleeper earrings, poissardes, drop earrings, and more geometric designs appeared and evolved according to the styles and fashions of each period.
Crafted in gold, silver, or platinum, they may be set with diamonds, pearls, sapphires, rubies, or emeralds. Their construction, fastening systems, and the way the stones are set are important elements of their design.
At Héritage de France®, we select antique earrings for their quality of craftsmanship, condition, and jewelry interest.
Sleeper earrings are particularly representative of antique earrings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. They generally feature an element set with a diamond or gemstone, sometimes complemented by a movable drop or surrounding stones.
Poissardes are distinguished in particular by their characteristic fastening system and may feature elaborate goldwork, sometimes combined with gemstones or pearls.
These antique earrings display a wide variety of forms and constructions. Their interest lies as much in their gemstones as in the craftsmanship of the metal and their fastening systems.
During the 1920s and 1930s, earrings adopted the geometric lines characteristic of Art Deco. Platinum and diamonds played an important role, sometimes combined with sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or onyx.
Drop earrings allowed for articulated compositions in which different diamond shapes and cuts became integral to the design. Geometric motifs, symmetry, and contrasts between diamonds and colored gemstones characterize many pieces from this period.
During the 1940s, jewelry generally became more substantial in volume, while yellow and rose gold became increasingly prominent.
Earrings could be crafted entirely in gold or combined with diamonds and colored gemstones. As with Tank bracelets from the same period, the volume and craftsmanship of the metal became essential elements of the design.
These pieces also anticipated the larger earrings that would develop in the jewelry of the following decades.
Antique earrings may be set with diamonds of various cuts, as well as sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or pearls.
In an antique pair, the visual harmony between the two earrings is particularly important. The stones are not necessarily perfectly identical, especially when they were cut during periods when proportions were less standardized than they are today. Their color, dimensions, and overall appearance should nevertheless create a balanced effect when worn.
For important gemstones, a report issued by an independent gemological laboratory may provide additional information about their nature and characteristics.
Attributing a period to antique earrings requires consideration of a combination of consistent characteristics. Style is examined together with the construction of the jewelry, manufacturing and stone-setting techniques, the metals used, fastening systems, and any hallmarks or signatures that may be present.
The characteristics of the diamonds and other gemstones may also provide additional information, although they cannot by themselves establish the date of a pair of earrings.
Alterations must also be taken into consideration. During their history, some antique earrings may have received new fastening systems or undergone other modifications to adapt them to changing ways of wearing jewelry.
At Héritage de France®, we distinguish antique earrings, primarily made between the second half of the 19th century and the 1940s, from vintage earrings, mainly corresponding to pieces created from the 1950s through the 1980s.
The term pre-owned jewelry does not refer to a particular period. It simply indicates that a piece has previously been owned. Antique, vintage, and more recent earrings can therefore all be pre-owned jewelry.
Héritage de France® presents a regularly updated selection of antique earrings at our jewelry store in Paris, located at the entrance to the Village Suisse: sleeper earrings, poissardes, drop earrings, Art Deco designs, and earrings from the 1940s, with or without diamonds and precious gemstones.
All of our jewelry is inspected before being offered for sale. With antique earrings, particular attention is paid to the fastening systems, any articulated elements, and the security of the diamond and gemstone settings to ensure that the earrings can be worn safely and comfortably.
Our store is open to the public, and you are welcome to visit and try on our antique earrings without an appointment.
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