Acorn earrings
Date: Circa 1860.
Measurements: Length of 1 5/8 of an inch (4.2 cm) with the ear wire 3/4 of an inch (2.0 cm) wide. Weight of 4.1 grams together.
Condition: Excellent, modern ear wires of 14k replace the originals.
Origin: Most likely English.
BAcorns in design, according to "The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols", hold associations akin to
"plenty, prosperity and fruitfulness". Utilized since ancient times in both jewelry, the decorative arts and architecture, the acorn, emerging from its cup or cap, also bears kinship to birth and emergence.
In 15k yellow gold and characteristic in construction for the time period, the nuts themselves are hollow for light wearability. Above are two textured leaves spreading in each direction, complete with tiny veins and realistic detail. And above that the original ear top of a tiny acorn. With good fortune, the original ear surmounts remain intact, often these are lost to time and wear making these doubly charming.
Around 1850 to 1860, themes of nature, organic motifs and even those of whimsical themes can be found in jewelry. For some examples, and an almost identical pair without the top acorn see the earrings on pages 106-107 of the book, "Earrings from Antiquity to the Present" by Mascetti and Triossi . Later 14k ear wires have been added.
Three Graces Antiques