VICTORIAN ALMANDINE GARNET AND DIAMOND DROP EARRINGS, CIRCA 1880.

Each pendant drop suspending an oval-shaped cabochon almandine garnet, with a combined approximate carat weight of 30.00ct, inset with a fly motif composed of rose-cut diamonds and cabochon garnets, to a claw-set old European-cut diamond surmount, tested as gold plated

Why we are obsessed

Popularised from the 1860s onward alongside a cultural obsession with natural history and microscopy, fly earrings were meticulously modeled in gold with fine wirework legs. The Victorians loved sentimental jewellery and the portrayal of secret messages through it, "fly on the wall" the motif signified a trustworthy guardian of confidential remarks making earrings an intimate placement for the theme.