Discover a range of antique earrings that capture the artistry and sentiment of the eras in which they were created. Whether you prefer a classic diamond stud or intricate Victorian designs, we have a variety of earring styles to suit every taste.
Earring styles like girandoles and pendeloques continued into the Victorian era. Foil-backed glass paste was used to create a bold look that was less costly than gemstones.
Ancient Egyptian Earrings
While the elaborate collar necklaces may be considered one of the most iconic pieces of ancient Egyptian jewelry, earrings were equally important statement-making adornments for both commoners and royalty. In addition to their beautiful design, many Egyptian pieces were believed to possess talismanic powers, ensuring the wearer’s safety and well-being in the afterlife.
This earring features the ankh symbol of eternal life and is a tribute to one of history’s greatest queens, Nefertiti. It’s the perfect gift for any lover of ancient Egypt.
Byzantine Earrings
During the period of Byzantine worldwide domination between the late 4th and 7th century art and jewelry reached new levels of opulence. Representations in paintings and the remains of jewelry pieces that survived show that people wore lots of gold and precious stones.
This is especially true for women. Empress Theodora wore long strands of pearls and a diadem of emeralds, sapphires and red precious stones around her head that are clearly recognizable.
Besides gemstones, Byzantine jewelry was engraved with images and inscriptions mostly related to religion. This was a way to show wealth and status. The Byzantines also mastered the technique of enamel (colorful allochromatic glass) to decorate their rings, earrings and bracelets. They even incorporated the snake bracelet design from their conquered province of Cyprus.
Renaissance Earrings
After a period of stagnation during the Middle Ages Renaissance brought a wave of creativity and innovation for painters, sculptors and goldsmiths. Many famous Renaissance painters like Lorenzo Ghiberti and Filippo Brunelleschi had experience as goldsmiths and this helped them to better understand and depict jewelry in their artworks.
Earrings made a comeback after disappearing during the Middle Ages and ranged from simple pear shaped pearl earrings to elaborate jewel drops that could be hung from a pierced ear or attached to the hair like a ferroniere. Also, pendants came into fashion to replace the medieval brooch and were often designed with carved backs as well as the front, emphasizing jewelry’s status as wearable art.
Renaissance goldsmiths developed sophisticated techniques for casting, chasing, cold-joining and engraving to produce flawless works of art. It wouldn’t be uncommon for a single jewelry item to be designed by a painter, cast and carved by one goldsmith and engraved and enameled by another.
Victorian Earrings
From the 1860s onwards, silver, gold and platinum became available to a wider population, and intricate wirework jewellery flourished. Earrings were designed with flower and vine motifs, coloured gemstones and enameled micro-mosaics.
The era was marked by the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1837, who at just 18 took on her role as monarch and led the empire through its golden age. Gothic and mourning styles came into fashion, influenced by Queen Victoria’s somber reaction to the death of her husband Prince Albert.
Serpent motifs also reached their peak popularity during the Victorian period. These were often incorporated into earrings alongside a range of gemstones, including amethyst, black glass, opal and tortoise shell. Screwback fittings for earrings which did not require pierced ears also started to appear at this time, the precursor to clip earrings.
Art Deco Earrings
In the 1920s, a dazzling new style swept across Europe and the US. Known as Art Deco, this decorative era favored straight lines and geometric shapes, a refreshing departure from the fluid, flowing curves of Victorian jewelry.
The opulent Art Deco style gained momentum after the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. Embracing technology, luxury and glamour, the Art Deco aesthetic influenced many aspects of design – including jewellery.
Art Deco earrings feature sleek geometry and bold colors. This era also popularized the use of platinum, which is stronger than gold and hypoallergenic. Like other pieces of jewellery from the era, these Art Deco designs often incorporate Ancient Egyptian and Asian motifs. In addition, long and streamlined styles were intended to complement the new sleeveless dresses and shorter haircuts of the time.