Earrings

Fine Antique foil backed topaz coloured paste day and night earrings total length 2.2cm, with a pear- shaped topaz paste drop suspended from a square cushion cut topaz paste surmount set in 9ct. gold with fine tapered period claws and closed backs on antique back to front hinged fastening hoop fittings. Day and night earrings consist of a relatively simple surmount with a larger or more elaborate dop which can be added if desired for evening wear giving in effect two pairs of earrings.

Foil backed gems in a closed back setting were popular in earlier centuries. The technique was widely used to simulate different gems, provide a matched suite of gems-particularly difficult with limited supplies in earlier centuries- and to intensify colour. It has largely been replaced by various gem treatments making foiled gem jewels increasingly rare, historic and treasured.