Victorian 14k "Ruby" & Garnet "Gypsy" Earrings

The history of the American Gypsy and Gypsy jewelry crafted by and for the Roma people remains a tale of intrigue and fascination of many. Roma people first arrived to the United States as slaves with Columbus in 1492, however, the largest wave of Romani immigrants came after the abolition of Romani slavery in Romania in 1864. The Roma were nomadic people and did not believe in bank accounts, stocks or bonds, so they wore their wealth on their bodies. Romani tradition was against selling gold unless there was a dire need and all but one piece, which was given to the eldest daughter, was buried with the deceased. The motifs were consistent, twisted wire, star-shaped flowers, engraved lines, horseshoes, and the profiles of women, like cameos, which they called gypsy queens. Due to the rarity and intrigue of Romani jewelry, the value is not in the gold itself, but in the beauty and scarcity of the piece. This pair of American Gypsy earrings from the Victorian (ca1880s) era are truly one-of-a-kind! Crafted in 14k rosy gold, each earring begins with a crescent-shaped link, which is decorated on both sides with foliage and thatch work engravings. Each side of the crescent also features a singular, bezel set synthetic ruby. The "rubies" display a vibrant pinkish-red hue, which wonderfully contrasts the rose gold earrings. The bottom of each earring also features 7 garnet briolettes, which are beautifully faceted, and display a deep red hue. The briolettes add wonderful movement to the earrings, which secures with simple earring wires, which are able to be clasped into the crescent-shaped links. The earring wires are marked with a faint "14K" purity mark. A wonderful example of true craftsmanship, this earrings would make a lovely addition to any antique jewelry collection! Measurement: The earrings hang 2" long (including the earring wires) and measure 1 1/8" at their widest point. Condition: The overall condition of this earrings is excellent. There is no apparent damage to the gold setting, and the earring wires are intact and in working order. The synthetic rubies and garnet briolettes are all secure and intact.