Featured Strange Fish Earrings

Can anyone please help me with some info on these fish earrings. 925 is stamped on their tails and they have red stones for eyes. They belonged to my Grandma. Not sure if the box is the original one for the earrings.

 

They are usually Asian, the screw back system says they are oldie (1930 is my guess) but the 925 mark put them way later

 

Thank you. That's interesting.
Do you really have a bug jewellery addiction?

 

Absolutely.... Addiction, craziness!

 

Infinitesimal part of the hoard....

 

Silver articulated fish were also used in Bolivia on traditional Tupu pins.
And they were also made in Germany as a gift for teenage girls, who were nicknamed 'Backfisch' or fried fish/fish for frying. I am sure they meant it affectionately.

 

Hi krya,
That dang fly almost caused me a heart attack this morning.
greg

 

@kyratango I have this gorgeous bug in with a gem guy at the moment to give me some idea on the stones. I love it.

 

Wow!!!! You do have a bug collection. Lol

 

Superb!!!
From what I can see, emeralds body, rosecut diamonds on wings and head, ruby or garnet eyes, beginning 20th century.

 

Thanks @Any Jewelry. Really interesting information. I am in awe of you all with the amount of knowledge you have!

 

Funny thing there is no hallmark but it tests 18 ct. On first look gem guy thought diamonds were mine cut. Can't wait to get it back!!!

 

I love that bug. That has some serious value.

@kyratango - 925 can be a surprisingly early mark, I've seen it on early 20th stuff.

 

It was even used in the late 19th century.
Screwbacks were introduced in the 1890s.

Tracey, will you let us know what the gem guy says?

 

I have always know the bug as the bee brooch. My father remembers Gran wearing it when he was young. I hope the stones are real. The colour of the emeralds are stunning.
Is it unusual for gold not to be stamped?

 

Yes, of course I will let you know. He is going to give it a good clean so when I get it back I'll post a new pic.

Re the earrings - will their date remain a mystery? What else should I be looking for?

 

Depends on where it was made, not all countries marked their precious metals.

And then there were people like my mother, who would commission a jewel to be made and was too impatient to wait for it to be sent to the assay office.

 

My Grandparents lived in South America for a long period so not sure if that's a clue?

 

It could be. Some South American countries didn't mark silver and gold until relatively recently. Where did they live?