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from the archive
18th Century Diamond Poissarde Earrings
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These spectacular earrings are made in a style known as poissarde, which translates from French as "fishwife". There are two possibly apocryphal explanations for this how this moniker came to be. The first is that they are named for the female fish sellers who allegedly wore them while selling their goods in the Paris market of Les Halles. The alternate explanation (more believable and less fun) is that they are named for the vaguely fish hook shape. These rare and lovely poissarde earrings date to 1800, they are made in gold and silver and set with a fantastic array of diamond cuts: old mine, rose and table! The ear wires fasten back to front. No assay marks, but most likely these earrings are of French origin.

  • Materials

    14k gold (tests), silver, mix 34 of old mine cut, table cut and rose cut diamonds

  • Age

    c. 1780

  • Condition

    Very good - closure on one earring has been repaired

  • Size

    1" length, 1/2" at the widest point, 3/4" depth

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Georgian

Aboutthe

GeorgianEra

17141837

please note:Terms of Sale

Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.

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