The Victorians were very fond of tortoiseshell and used it for hail ornaments, combs, brushes, fans, and small boxes as well as jewelry. Tortoiseshell did not come from the tortoise but rather, from the hawksbill turtle found off the coast of the West Indies and South America.
The best color of tortoiseshell is considered to be dark brown with translucent mottling. Tortoiseshell is molded using heat and then polished. Although it was quite expensive, it was extremely popular in the 1830th to 1840s when the return to naturalism inspired the making of tortoiseshell accessories. Very popular were classical design of Greek Urns.
These quality earrings are 2 ½ inches long and ¾ at the widest area. They have gold wires of 15 karat rose gold. Notice the Cherub with Wings on the top and the Urns on the dangles. These are rare fine today and came from a private collection. They are in excellent condition.