Victorian 3.18 CTW Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Carriage Coach Cover Drop Earrings

• Drop earrings are encased in domed ball carriage covers
• Decorated with raised scrollwork throughout and open on a hinge to reveal diamonds
• Old European cut diamonds weigh in total approximately 3.18 carats - J/K in color with SI1 clarity
• Talon set in mounting with platinum-tipped prongs then completed by kidney wire hooks
• Tested as 14 karat gold
• Circa: 1890s
• Carriage covers are 13.3 mm in diameter
• Drops measure: 5/16 x 1/2 inch
• Total weight: 7.0 grams

Coach covers served two purposes. The first was to conceal valuable drop earrings at a time when highwaymen and robbery while traveling were a true threat. The other was to provide an earring adequate for daytime wear. Diamond earrings were suitable and expected for evening dinners or parties but considered gauche during the day. Because of their small and removable nature very, very few pairs still exist. Finding an intact set is exceeding rare are truly special.