Victorian Turquoise & Diamond Inca Warrior Earrings

A pair of Victorian earrings, modeled in 18k yellow gold, whose masterfully-carved, figural decor features an Inca warrior (shown in profile), wearing a plumed headdress and crescent-shaped, over-ear ornaments. Below this noble face, a bevy of raised forms curl, trail, and spiral. A vibrant-blue, high-dome turquoise cabochon rests in a bezel at the center of the composition, and an old mine cut diamond glitters from its own small bezel, below. The back sides of these pendant earrings are beautifully carved with curling forms, and finely textured. They hang from a pair of handmade, shepherd's hook earwires. The earwires are also decorated with small, bezel-set, old mine cut diamonds. We love the mysterious, referential nature of these earrings, the energetic nature of the carving (its almost riotous movement), and the earrings' two-sidedness. These earrings are extra special! They are finished with a high-color bloom.

Perhaps this carving is an homage to the famous Inca warrior Rumiñahui, who was famously principled, loyal, and resilient. The Victorians loved symbolism, historical references and mythology. The painting referenced is: Rumiñahui, José Yépez A. (1925)

Materials

18k gold
Turquoise
Diamond

Age

c. 1900

Dimensions

Earrings measures approx 1 3/8", including earwires; drops measure approx 20.4 mm (about 4/5"); diamonds (4) measure approx 1.5 mm; turquoise gems (2) measure approx 7.1 mm.