A dainty pair of Victorian-era drop earrings, modeled as miniature archery targets (with tiny piercing arrows) in 14k rosy yellow gold. These round targets are set with a series of calibre cut turquoise gems (30), which fit perfectly together and range in color from sky blue to dark green. Their outside edges are decorated with small beads of granulation, and a white seed pearl is held in claw-like prongs at the center of each target, to mark the bullseye. The earwires wires are cozy, close-fitting, latching kidney wires, and the targets swing freely beneath them, from side to side. These earrings are unusual, beautifully detailed, and finely made! We especially love the arrows' delicate hand-engraved details, the wide-ranging variation in the color of the turquoise gems, and the "cupid, draw back your bow" symbolism these earringsinstantly call to mind.Because of their small size, these are perfect for frequent wear.

Materials

14k gold
Turquoise

Age

c. 1880

Dimensions

Earring drop measures approx 3/4" (approx 19 mm); targets measure approx 10.4 mm; arrows measure approx 16.4 mm, tip to tail.