Vintage Scottish Russet Carnelian Drop Earrings

A gorgeously marked pair of fluted Scottish Russet Carnelian drop earrings, the warmly autumnal hued Carnelians are nicely carved; we believe the stones to be perhaps from the Ethiebeaton Quarry near Dundee Read further about them here.

'Scottish' Jewellery became very fashionable in the mid 19th century, popularised by the visits of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to Scotland and after their purchase of the Balmoral Estate in 1852. 

From the Victoria and Albert Museum; 

'In the early years of the 19th century, the poetry and novels of Sir Walter Scott put Scotland on the tourist map. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were very fond of Scotland. Scottish pebble jewellery, already fashionable in the 18th century, became a popular souvenir. Birmingham jewellers responded to the demand, sometimes using stones from countries other than Scotland.'

The fittings are of 9ct Gold, with workshop made 9ct Gold shepherd's crook style wires, they measure 3cm from the wire.