Victorian Jewellery for Victoria Day

As promised, I went prowling for vintage stuff on Friday. Fittingly, I found two Victorian pieces.

The big score is a pair of gigantic girandole earrings from around 1870. Girandole means chandelier and are characterized by having three drops, the middle drop hanging slightly lower than the other two. I found a pair that was nearly identical (alas mine are not gold) on 1stdibs.

They are quite lively, with the drops swinging from an articulated middle piece. I have read that this style was especially popular at dances.

I also found this old seed pearl and enamel gold filled ring. It is well worn, which means well loved. Again, it’s likely from the late Victorian period.