Pair of Fabulous Antique Cut Steel & Paste Crystal Earrings From France

Description

Pair of  Antique Cut Steel Earrings With Three Large Faceted Oval Paste Stones
Circa. 1850-1860               France
A rare and absolutely exquisite pair of antique cut steel earrings with oval crystal paste stones.    This pair is a show-stopper!     Only the sterling silver ear wires are a new replacement.
The cut steel bow on top is a prime example of how labor intensive it was to make these kind of earrings.   First a form was designed and then holes were placed on that form to accept the riveted steel   Finding a pair with the addition of paste stones is rare, indeed!  Cut steel jewelry was popular in  both the Victorian and Georgian eras for its similarity to diamonds at evening soirees.   In this day and age, the pair could be worn in both daytime and evening    Fabulous!
The earrings measure 2 1/2 inches long with ear wire        2 1/4 inches wide, at their widest        Total weight:   45.6 g.     29.3  dwt
In excellent condition