Antique diamond drop cluster earrings in yellow gold. A matching pair, each set with ten cushion shape old mine diamonds in open back claw settings, twenty in total with an approximate combined weight of 5.00 carats, to an elegant cluster with finely pierced claws and intricate backholing, suspended from a diamond drop to top, and fitted to reverse with secure hinge back closures. Tested yellow gold, circa 1890.

Petite in size, dormeuse earrings were intended to be so comfortable that a lady could wear them during the day and go on to sleep in them, preventing their ear piercing from closing.

Towards the end of the Victorian era, more fanciful designs of dormeuse earrings developed, often featuring intricate openwork and elaborate cluster designs. Much heavier than the form’s original intent as ‘sleepers’, these designs preserved the essential drop and curved earwire shape, which is comfortable, secure and in versatile styles that frame the face beautifully!