This antique Victorian (Circa 1860) Black Onyx and Seed Pearl Earrings are elegant with the pairing of an elegant black onyx back drop, 15 yellow gold and seed pearls. This is a striking example of quality Victorian jewelry. This is an America quality hand polished natural Onyx, which is set with nine natural seed pearls in each earring. The earrings are from Chicago Illinois. The size is 1 ¾ inches long from the top of the wires and 1/2th of an inches wide. The gold on the earrings are 15 karat yellow gold and the back ear wires have a safety hook on the back to hold the ends of the wires. In the Victorian time period, Black Onyx was worn as a symbol of Mourning and the seed pearls in Mourning jewelry represented “tears”.
Interesting information on Onyx: The name onyx was used by the Romans for a variety of stones including alabaster, chalcedony, and what is now known as onyx stone as we know the color of black. Roman soldiers wore onyx talismans engraved with heroes such as Hercules or Mars, god of war. They believed that the stone would make the wearer as brave and daring as the figured carved on it. During the Renaissance, onyx was believed to bring eloquence upon the wearer and was regarded with great value by public speakers and orators
The earrings are in wonderful condition and without scratches or chips. Civil War period earrings are very hard to fine.