Pure Heaven : Antique Drop Earrings with Ceylon Sapphire Cabochons and White Enamel in 18ct Gold

In colour symbolism blue is symbolic of heaven, and white of purity. This is a sweeping generalisation, of course, as colour association changes with culture and country and time periods, however the relationship of these two shades with states of bliss and goodness crosses through many cultures and timelines. Perhaps it’s why brides are advised to wear “something blue” with their wedding gown – a little touch of heaven.

These ultra contemporary-looking earrings were converted from a pair of antique cufflinks. It’s crazy how modern they look! The original cufflinks were made to party at ultra swank soirée’s for the elite, but somehow spent an eternity in a box, waiting for a special occasion. In an effort to ensure these babes get a chance to dazzle and delight (even if it is 100+ years later than originally planned) I’ve converted them into chic and infinitely wearable drop earrings that can be worn every day of the week. The handmade fittings blend so seamlessly with the original components you’d never guess they had been anything else.

You can see a short video of these earrings on my Instagram account @secret_histories, or online here.

Manufacture:
Modelled in 18ct yellow gold and set with three Ceylon-type natural blue sapphire cabochons. The cabochons are in closed back rub-over settings, and surrounded by a field of white enamel. To covert these bars to earrings we made 18ct gold sleeves for them to sit inside, mimicking the original shape. These are attached to handmade 18ct ‘shepherds hook’ ear wires that allow the drops to dangle gracefully, the hooks are perfectly balanced for the size and shape of the drops. There are no hallmarks on the original components, they have been XRF tested to verify that they are 18ct gold. The ear wires are stamped 750.

The sapphires have been verified as natural Ceylon-type sapphires by an independent gemologist. The central sapphire is largest at approximately 3mm x 2.66mm. The sapphires above and below measure approximately 2.6mm x 2.4mm. They are well matched, bright material.

The earrings have a drop of  34mm.
They weigh 6.87 grams (pair)

Condition: 
In excellent antique condition, with very minor signs of wear. One of the earrings has a small chip to the white enamel right at the top, only visible under magnification.