Outstanding pair of pique earrings with a great look. Large dangle at over 2'' in size. An early pair these were obviously hand made as later ones were not. Amazing they could get the tortoise shell at the end to curl so correctly to form the end. Amazing work. Circa 1860 and no damage. Pique was a French invention of the early 18th century; thin strips of gold or silver were carefully inlaid onto boxes of tortoiseshell or other similar substances, often combined with mother-of-pearl. The craftsmanship exhibited in these small pieces is of the best quality, and they have been avidly collected since they were first introduced. Pique work continued in France and England into the early 19th century, when the increasing cost of hand-labor doomed this complicated and time-intensive art. Status: For Sale Reference#: 484957 Condition: vg Year: 1860

Antique and Vintage Jewelry
Antique Jewelry