French Day and Night engraved ribbon pearl dormeuse earrings c.1860

These are a pair of French-made Day and Night dormeuse earrings from the 1860s, crafted entirely in 18k solid gold and adorned with natural pearls.

Day and Night earrings, popular since the 18th century, are characterized by a two-part construction. The lower dangling component is detachable, allowing the smaller upper part to be worn independently during the day. The detachable lower pendant can then be added for evening events, such as dances, to enhance visual impact and elegance.

The earrings exhibit a sleek geometric design, featuring a carved diamond-shaped structure at the top adorned with a lustrous pearl in the center. The detachable lower pendant is elongated hexagonal, showcasing two intertwining three-dimensional ribbons at the front. The flowing and voluminous pattern adds a smooth balance to the piece.

The earrings are lightweight and comfortable to wear. The design of the dormeuse ear hooks enhances safety during wear, minimizing the risk of accidental detachment.

The earrings are in good antique condition, with no noticeable dents or missing corners, only displaying normal oxidation and signs of wear. As judgments on the item's condition can be subjective, please click and enlarge our photos to examine more details for your assessment.