French red foiled citrine dormeuse earrings, circa 1850

A pair of French earrings from the 1850s, crafted in 18k solid gold and set with foiled yellow citrines. Their back-to-front hooks, shaped from square wire, are a quiet testament to masterful craftsmanship—an elegant detail made to be noticed.

The citrines are set in closed-back settings, with their vibrant orange-red hue resulting from the reflection of the red foil under the gemstone. This color effect, often described as an "oil and vinegar color," refers to the visual interplay of two contrasting colors that merge without fully blending, resembling how oil and vinegar coexist in the same bottle without combining.

The earrings display a warm-toned, vivid color palette, with red, yellow, and orange hues shifting and intertwining like flickering flames. The colors change dynamically with different viewing angles, adding a captivating visual effect.

When wearing the earrings, avoid contact with water to prevent oxidation and discoloration of the foil under the gemstone. The pair is in good antique condition, showing normal signs of oxidation and wear. One earring bears a maker’s mark, though some parts are worn and hard to decipher. As condition assessments are subjective, please click and enlarge our photos to view more detailed condition aspects as part of your evaluation.