14K Gold and Silver Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Collet Set Dormeuse Earrings

These are a gorgeous pair of Victorian Rose Cut diamond earrings recently sourced in Prague. They bear Austro-Hungarian hallmarks on the wire and feature dutch Rose Cut diamonds that are foil backed. The front of the earrings are set in oxidized silver with a beautiful collet setting indicative of antique jewelry. The earrings are romantic and mysterious—the oxidized silver gives a dark sparkle to the Rose Cut diamonds, which are known for being cut to be seen in candlelight. The back of the earring is mounted on a 14k gold cage that has pretty, crown-like lattice work and balances nicely with the profile of the collet setting. The earrings connect to a wire that is hinged and closes securely onto itself at the back. 

“Dormeuse” means sleeper in French, a term used from the mid-19th to early 20th century that refers to earrings that are comfortable enough to sleep in, typically with one large and one small diamond, as seen in this pair. This is a great, elegant pair of jewelry—a staple pair for an antique jewelry collector, the Victorian era version of a pair of diamond studs. 

The natural antique Rose Cut diamonds measure approximately 5.25 mm across. Because of the nature of Rose Cuts, it is hard to estimate their carat weight. 

Combined, the earrings weigh 4.05 grams. Each earring measures 3/8” across and dangles 5/8” below where it pierces the ear. They are marked as 14k gold and Austro-Hungarian on the wire. Also the collet setting test to be silver. Circa 1890. 

For pierced ears.