victorian onyx and 14k yellow gold dangle earrings

A bold and dramatic pair Victorian era dangle earrings from circa 1880s-1890s.  Made in 14 karat yellow gold, each earring has two pieces of beautifully cut onyx, at top a rounded rectangle and hanging, an elongated teardrop. The bottom pieces are independently attached, hanging down giving them movement and swing with the wearer.

They hang on a hinged kidney wire hook and at 2.08" in length, they have a bold and powerful look.  The clean lines of the onyx give them chic, modern feel even though they're more than 100 years old.

During Queen Victoria's long reign, her beloved husband Albert passed away throwing her into an 80 year mourning period in which she exclusively wore black. This created a new wave in the way people dressed, extending to jewelry, where onyx and jet were often used to create pieces like this.