Early 19th Century French Torpedo Earrings

Great example of torpedo drop earrings from the 1830's & 1840's. Their size and lightness were dictated by fashion. The horizontal lines of style of dress and hair needed to be offset by long pendants. While at the same time the scarcity of precious metal encouraged the use of wafer-thin foil of gold. This pair is in gilded metal or Pinchbeck and transparent white agate stones.  French in origin, found in Paris. 

Drop: 3.75"