Antique Earrings
(until around 1930)
Earrings have always exuded a very special magic and have been known as an object of jewellery since pre-Christian times. While antique earrings were considered a mere status symbol a few centuries ago, today they can be worn out of love for the style of times gone by and as a appreciation of antique jewellery art. Find out more »
Antique earrings in modern everyday life
What makes antique earrings so exciting are their unforgettable designs and the fine craftsmanship with which they were made. At the same time, they can be integrated into our modern everyday life better than expected. Small Dormeuse earrings with a simple diamond setting can be worn perfectly in the office, while elaborate Girandol earrings with coloured gemstones are perfect for a cocktail party or an elegant dinner. Take the plunge and opt for unique antique pieces instead of modern mass-produced goods next time!
Antique earrings at a glance
Classicism
In Classicism, simple jewellery, that was characterised by a strictly linear design and a preference for antique, Romano-Greek ornamentation, was appreciated. Earrings from this era were characterised by their length and a flat structure. Geometric elements were placed either on top of or next to each other and set with coloured gemstones, diamonds or cameos. Drop-shaped earrings were particularly popular at the beginning of the 19th century.
Biedermeier and historism
Biedermeier earrings were often made of foam gold, making them very lightweight and to this day particularly pleasant to wear. They followed a very typical structure: a cartridge decorated with volutes, foliage or rocailles provided space for central stone settings, cameos or miniatures. Cord and pearl bar decoration provided delicate accents and emphasised the plastic structure of the pieces. Small ornamental pendulums were also a popular stylistic feature of antique Biedermeier earrings.
Historism drew on a wide range of stylistic devices from the past, which were realised in different ways in Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Baroque earrings. The emerging industrialisation, however, led to more efficient manufacturing processes, which in turn made jewellery accessible to new customer groups and social classes.
Belle Époque and Art Nouveau
The end of the 19th century brought with it a period of peace, which led to highly elegant jewellery creations made from the finest materials. The splendour-loving Belle Époque (or Edwardian era) focused on diamonds in combination with white metals, which were used in delicate floral, garland-like designs.
Antique Art Nouveau earrings often appeared as long pendants in floral form, including diamond-studded foliage, coloured stone briolettes or stylised grapes. The artistic effect of the earrings often outweighed their monetary value, which is why Art Nouveau jewellery was made from gold doublé, silver and gold alike.
Art Déco and the 1st half of the 20th century
Earrings from Art Déco consisted of long hoops and formed cascades of stylised flowers or delicate geometric shapes, which were sometimes completely set with diamonds. Large, artfully cut coloured stones such as coral or jade were set on narrow prongs and surrounded by sparkling settings, creating glamorous, sculptural designs.
In the course of the suffragette movement, which went down in history as a symbol of social resistance and the fight for women's rights, the combination of peridot, amethyst and pearls also became popular in earrings, as it symbolises the movement's motto: "give women vote" (green, white, violet).
Popular materials for antique earrings
In addition to classic precious metals such as silver, gold and platinum, antique earrings were also often made from brass alloys such as tombac and pichbeck. In addition to diamonds, popular gemstones included garnets, opals and quartz. Due to its unique green colour, emerald earrings were also very popular.
Ruby and sapphire earrings are also true classics, as they can impress with their hardness and wide range of colours. In addition, antique earrings made of gold have been adorned with pearls throughout the centuries, which symbolise purity, wisdom and beauty.
Halsbandaffaire: Antique earrings in Munich
Are you from the Munich area? Then let the experts at Halsbandaffaire advise you on site and discover our selection of historical earrings. We also stock numerous other pieces of jewellery such as antique necklaces, antique rings, antique brooches and antique bracelets, as well as a selection of modern pieces of jewellery and creations from our own studio. See for yourself and visit us at Franz-Joseph-Straße 44.