English Victorian Etruscan revival amphora earrings c.1870

This pair of earrings from the English Victorian period, dating to the 1870s, is tested as 53% gold, equivalent to around 12–14k solid gold.

By the mid-19th century, archaeological discoveries of the ancient Etruscan civilization in Italy had begun to captivate the European imagination. As knowledge of these classical sites grew, jewelers rediscovered lost goldsmithing techniques and revived ancient design motifs, giving rise to the Etruscan Revival movement.

The front of each earring features a precise arrangement of decorative patterns, combining granulation and rope-twist wirework—both hallmark elements of the Etruscan Revival style.

The form of the earrings is inspired by the classical amphora, a two-handled vessel from ancient Greece. Here, the amphora’s characteristic narrow neck and rounded body are preserved, while the traditional handles are omitted. The silhouette is simplified and reinterpreted, suggesting the original shape through proportion rather than literal replication. This refined abstraction reflects the 19th-century aesthetic ideal of beauty through form and cultural symbolism.

The earrings are in good antique condition, showing typical signs of oxidation and wear consistent with age. As condition assessment is subjective, please click and enlarge our photos to examine more detailed aspects as part of your evaluation.