Victorian Articulated Diamond Drop Earrings in Silver and Yellow Gold

An elegant pair of silver and diamond articulated drop earrings from the Victorian period. Expertly designed to resemble the statement catkins of the silk tassel bush, which was a popular novelty in the Victorian garden. Thirty romantic old cut diamonds have been intricately set into the shaped head and articulated elements that instantly bring to mind the silvery white catkin tassels that dominate the winter garden, and are beautifully defined by rich evergreen foliage. The addition of large hook fittings ensure that these earrings are effortless to wear, and will remain secure in the ear. These beautiful earrings are likely to originally have been part of a statement Victorian brooch with the articulated sections moving with the wearer, and being a visible statement of wealth pinned to the intricate bodice of a gown. As tastes and styles changed the brooch would have been adapted, and two of the drop sections (or fringes) removed and made into earrings to start a new life. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (1900-2002) often wore a large and impressive articulated fringe brooch that was made for Queen Victoria in 1856. Passed to her daughter Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 this brooch has often been worn to state banquets and important evening events.