"A pair of Victorian drop earrings, crafted in Belgium circa 1850s, set with intense green peridot stones and 18kt red gold, beautiful conditionÉ A touch of history. Antique jewelry object group: earrings Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin. Style: Victorian - In 1837 Queen Victoria begins the longest reign in the history of Great Britain. For 64 years, from 1837 till 1901, she symbolizes the growth and triumph of the British Empire as Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India. Proud, passionate about beautiful things, highly educated about all styles of time, she influences the lifestyles through her taste and immense love of jewelry. Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era. (Last part freely rendered from: Wikipedia) See also: Victorian or more info on styles Style specifics: The Grand Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837-1901) into three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901). We consider this to be of the Grand Victorian Period. This second Victorian period is famous for its ostentatious pieces set with pearls and diamonds (from South Africa). From ca. 1850 wealthy English had reported about jewelry from India and Japan, which heavily inspired the jewelers of this period. This period also corresponds with the death of Queen Victorias husband King Albert making mourning jewelry (set with heavy dark stones) the type of jewelry specific for this period. Period: ca. 1850 (events and facts in 1850) Material: 18K red gold (more info on precious metals) Precious stones: Two vividly sparkling bright green peridots (more info on precious stones) Birthstones: Peridot is the birthstone (or month stone) for August. (more info on birthstones) Hallmarks: No trace. (more info on hallmarks) Condition: excellent condition (more info on our condition scale) Dimensions: diameter 1.10 cm (0.43 inch) Weight: 4.10 gram (2.64 dwt) Reference N: 10343-0058 Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry "