Meet The Sophronias: Quirky, intricate, and elaborate; kind of like some of the best Victorian-era names. If you've ever walked through a Victorian era cemetery, you'll notice it's not just Anns and Sarahs. Sometimes you'll find a Hepzibah, a Clementine, an Adelia, or even a Sophronia. We like to think of the Victorians as being all about conformity, but in reality, they appreciated uniqueness and beautiful, intricate craftsmanship as much as we do today. The Sophronias are a perfect example of that.
The Sophronias are dainty earrings dating to the Victorian era, and are sure to be an elegant and timeless addition to any jewelry collection. Likely dating to the mid Victorian period, c.1850-1860, as that is when piqué earrings were most in style, these beauties were handmade with yellow gold inlay that form star and flower motifs on plump, dark brown teardrop bodies. The auction house from which I purchased these earrings sold these to me as 14k gold inlay, though I have not tested it myself since the main brown tortoiseshell body of the earrings can get quite brittle and crack over time, and I did not want to risk messing around and trying to get a scratch of the inlay for an acid test.
The earrings weigh 5.3g total and measure 4.2cm in length, making them dainty and subtle enough for everyday wear, while still perfectly elegant for fancy occasions. Any other wear commensurate with age. Made with care by a craftsman from days gone by, these charming earrings are just waiting for a new set of ears to grace.
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