Victorian Silver Italian Cannetille Filigree Wirework Day/Night Earrings

An incredibly elaborate and fantastic pair of Italian cannetille earrings from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Crafted out of fine cannetille silver wirework, each earring features a detachable surmount, allowing them to be worn either as a simple “day” earring, or a more dramatic “night” earring. The chandelier-style “night” design forms the shape of three cascading links hanging below a cone shaped topper. Delicate beading and wirework swirls adorn each link, with each one slightly larger than the last. An additional polished silver bead dangles freely from the middle of the last link, adding a lovely eye-catching accent. The stunning cannetille wirework is shaped into ornate spiraled designs, forming delicate cutouts throughout that showcase the incredible craftsmanship. Resting at the top of the cone-shaped link is a loop that attaches to the “day” earring surmount, which forms the circle. Embellishing the surmount is additional complementary beading and swirling wirework designs, and resting at the top is a gold European earring wire that hooks in the front. Despite their length, the “night” earrings are very lightweight and comfortable to wear, framing the face beautifully. A very unusual and exquisitely crafted pair of earrings, they are a wonderful example of fine Victorian era cannetille work and are a must-have for any collector!

Measurements: Each “night” earring hangs approximately 3 1/8″ long, and measures about 3/4″ wide and thick. When worn as “day” earrings, each hangs approximately 7/8″ long, measures 3/4″ wide and about 1/4″ thick. 

Condition: The overall condition of the earrings is excellent. Besides normal surface wear, there is no apparent damage to the silver setting and the cannetille wirework remains in superb condition. The earring wires and surmounts are secure, as are the dangling elements throughout the design.