Antique ‘Ceylon Gem Gravel’ Earrings

This fantastic pair of gemstone earrings date to the early 20th Century and are set with natural gemstones from the Ceylon gem gravels. Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, is world renowned for their gemstones. Millions upon millions or carats of gemstones have been mined over the last century in Ceylon, most famously of all are sapphires. At the time these were mined the material being brought up was exceptional. Secondary gemstones such as spinels and zircons were found as well but less desired than the cornflower royal blue sapphires they were really pushing for. These earrings feature some of those (then) secondary gemstones. Fast forward to present day and these gemstones can be considered highly desirable owing to their unique nature. Less desired stones back then mean less antique jewellery featuring them. These came to us broken with no fittings therefore the hooks seen here are modern.

Metal: 9ct white gold.

Marks: Unmarked - tests confirm 9ct gold.

Stones: From top to bottom. 1) Green Zircon 1.12ct & 0.95ct. 2) Sapphire 0.96ct & 0.97ct. 3) Pink Spinel 1.15ct & 1.32ct. 4) Sapphire 1.42ct & 1.45ct.

Measurements: Ignoring the fittings, the measurement from the very top of the green zircon at the top, to the very bottom of the blue sapphire at the bottom, the earrings measure 30mm. The green zircons are approximately 5.5mm wide and the gemstones widen to a measurement of approximately 7mm at the widest part of the blue sapphires at the bottom.

Weight: 4.64 grams total weight.

Condition: Excellent. The fittings are new ear wires so everything you see below the upper loop attached to the top of the blue zircons are antique handmade mounts.