I bought these earrings a few weeks ago and they arrived yesterday. They came from Portugal and they were just described as: long silver earrings, but when I looked at them I knew they were good. The earhooks look replaced, but for the rest they are original. Silver with (I think) white topaz (my tester indicates its a bit harder than glass). They almost got lost during transport and I literally made a few prayers to the Jewelry Fairy (I know, batshit crazy!) But it seemed to work and they got home safely yesterday after a few weeks delay. They certainly look 18th century Portugese to me but I know they used this style also for over a century after that and all around Europe. I included a picture of my Old Flemish earrings from the early 19th century to show the resemblance in style (and my beloved bow pendant I posted here earlier which would have been the upper part of a resembling pair of earrings). I also included a picture on how they could have looked originally. There are 2 marks on each of them but I can't decipher, so any help would be very much appreciated! (The long mark could maybe be a letter 'L' Lisboa? with something on top or next to it?) Or maybe thats just wishful thinking. So, what are your thoughts of these earrings? Portugese or other country? 18th century or later?
Wow! I’m with you on the era and origin Your prayers to the Jewelry Fairy aren’t batshit I often pray the findaparkingplace Fairy when I go to Paris... and it works!
Kyratango, thank you for your reply. I didn't know the findaparkingspace Fairy yet I think I will just stay with the Jewelry Fairy for now
Yay!!! Beautiful. Topaz is quite a bit harder than glass, topaz is 8, glass is ca 5-5.5. Too small to read, but.... ....Lisboa does have a crowned L mark, so an L with something on top. The shape of the cartouche is an indication of the period. In the 18th century it was a sort of cushion-shaped cartouche with protruding corners (difficult to explain), in the 19th century it was an oval cartouche. I am acquainted with both fairies, and they have both been kind to me over many years. I always thank them abundantly of course.
Any Jewelry, wow thanks! Thats really helpful to know, about the shape of the cartouche! The Jewelry Fairy seems to really have a soft spot for me and my collecting bug too
