Turn of the 20th century French antique fossil starstone gold earrings

These are a pair of starstone earrings, dating back to the turn of the 20th century, originating from the southeastern region of France, and expertly crafted in 18k solid gold. The central dark stone is a distinctive type of fossil.

These naturally occurring star-shaped dark fossils, known as starstones, are the remnants of crinoids after their disintegration. In England, they are also known as "fairy coins." They first gained popularity in the world of jewelry around 1855, thanks to the craftsmanship of jeweler Antoine Colomb. These starstone jewelry pieces became a regional specialty in the Digne-les-Bains area in the southeastern part of France, owing to the area's unique geological features, and they were considered as symbols of good luck.

In 1910, a year marked by a series of remarkable astronomical events, including the appearance of a The Great Daylight Comet in January and Halley's Comet in May, the popularity of starstone jewelry reached new heights. Many jewelers began using starstones to create comet-shaped jewelry, significantly increasing the collectible value of starstone jewelry.

These starstone earrings showcase an intricate design. The larger central stone has five pointed ends, each connected to rounded, bulging gold balls. Surrounding the gaps between these points are five smaller star-shaped fossils. These smaller starstones are further adorned with miniature gold beads, creating an impression of an endless cosmos.

The pair of earrings is in good antique condition, displaying typical signs of oxidation and wear. The starstones are well-preserved with minimal cracks. 

Since the assessment of an object's condition is highly subjective, please click and enlarge our photos to examine more details for your judgment.