A pair of uncommon and sought-after antique 1800s earrings set with fine micro-mosaic depictions of colourful scarab beetles - each individually constructed from hundreds of tiny tiles, or tesserae, some iridescent, all vibrant.
 
My favourite parts are the little legs and antennae, the tiles especially created for this purpose with a delicate limb in in a white border - even the little hindwings have been included in this manner, appearing to peek out from beneath the carapace!
 
Beautiful little works of art, these are not commonly found in earring form.
 
The attractive ball-detailed shepherd hook wires test as 10K gold. The rear casing looks for all the world like gold but tests as a different material.
 
MEASUREMENTS: Just over 1 1/4" total drop. 3/4" diameter. 5.5g in weight each. Close-up photos often exaggerate size so please see in-ear photo and measurements for exact scale!

CONDITION: Very good, wearable antique condition. Only one tiny white tile appears to be missing, with a few others pushed inwards. Some of the iridescent pieces have an uneven glaze, not sure if these parts have worn off over time or if they were made this way.
 
Please view all close-up photos. Any display forms/chains shown are for photography purposes only.
 
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