French Perpignan garnet hoop earrings c.1820

This is a pair of 18k gold hoop earrings from the early 19th century in the Perpignan region of France, adorned with rhodolite garnets. In antique jewelry, garnets from this region are commonly known as Perpignan garnets. Rhodolite garnets from this locality typically exhibit pink, purple, or even orange-red hues, setting them apart from Bohemian garnets, which tend to range from red to blackish-red. With the local mines now closed, the acquisition of Perpignan garnet jewelry is limited to antique pieces, resulting in a significant increase in their collectible value.

These earrings, also known as "créoles" or hoop earrings, are characterized by their simplicity. Initially, they were typically simple gold hoops, but over time, créoles evolved into crescent shapes with more angular or curved contours, often adorned with floral and foliate decorations, and sometimes set with gemstones.

The earrings retain the distinctive features of antique jewelry production, including rounded closed-back settings typical of the Georgian era, rose-cut garnets, and foil backing beneath the garnets. The foil backing reflects more light, enhancing the fiery and vibrant appearance of the garnets. This pair exemplifies the unique beauty of history and regional craftsmanship in a simple design.

To explore more Perpignan garnet jewelry, please click on our tag #perpignan garnet.

The earrings are in good antique condition, displaying normal oxidation and signs of wear. As the assessment of condition can be subjective, please click and enlarge our photos to examine more details for judgment.