A magnificent pair of 18th century Georgian Cut Steel earrings. Entirely made by hand, with each teeny, tiny section shaped and faceted with immense skill and attention to detail and then applied to the shaped backing, the height of fashion in the mid 18th century, English Cut Steel was famous for it's beauty.

They make a fabulous show (and talking point) to any outfit and are splendrously sparkly in a gorgeous antique greyed way. 

A craft originating in the steelworks of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, 'ornamental steelwork' is first seen in the late 17th century and by the 1720's there are records of businesses specialising in this kind of work. Of superb quality and workmanship; entirely and laboriously hand made, these would probably have taken at least a couple of days work to hand pierce all of the shapes (see the reverse), file all of the rivets to shape and then attach them. Quite astonishing!  

The wonder of them is that the back is as interesting as the front, as one can see the painstaking construction (and repair) of this incredible piece so clearly. Worn for over 250 years; the earrings now have new shop made Silver wires to replace the screw fittings which themselves were probably added some time in the early 20th century... 

The earrings hang at 6.5cm from the top of the wires.