Antique Earrings

If you're looking for something unique, we specialise in Art Deco and Vintage earrings. At Friar House we have something for all tastes and budgets from diamond studs to gemstone clusters.

You can browse our collection of earrings below or, alternatively, come and visit us at our shop in Battle, East Sussex to see for yourself.

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Antique earring styles and fittings

Earring fittings changed considerably over the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the fitting itself is often one of the clearest ways to date a pair of antique earrings. Victorian earrings commonly used screw-back or shepherd's hook fittings for unpierced or lightly pierced ears; by the Edwardian and Art Deco periods, lever-back and post fittings had become more common on antique earrings, closer to what is used today. Drop earrings, cluster earrings and, in the Art Deco period, long geometric earrings in platinum were all fashionable at different points.

Because antique earrings are sold as a matched pair, checking that both stones and both settings correspond in cut, colour and condition matters more here than with a single piece - genuine antique earring pairs sometimes show minor natural variation between the two stones, which is normal, but a significant mismatch in a pair of antique earrings is worth querying.

Styles in our antique earring collection

We stock antique drop earrings, antique cluster earrings, antique stud earrings and long Art Deco earrings from across the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco periods, in diamonds and coloured gemstones. Art deco diamond earrings and art deco diamond cluster earrings are among our most sought-after pieces, alongside more delicate antique diamond stud earrings.

Our vintage earrings collection continues to be popular within the UK vintage earrings UK market, thanks to their timeless appeal and unique design. Whether you prefer classic antique drop earrings or statement Art Deco earrings, our collection offers a genuine range of antique earrings to choose from.

Buying antique earrings: what to look for

Each pair of antique earrings is checked for fitting type and condition, and we can convert screw-back fittings to posts for pierced ears on request, where the design of the antique earring allows. If you have unpierced or sensitive ears, ask us which of our antique earring fittings would suit you best before buying.

We compare both stones in every pair of antique earrings for colour, cut and clarity, and describe any natural variation honestly rather than presenting a mismatched pair as identical.

Visit us or browse online

Our antique earrings collection changes regularly as new pieces come in. Contact us directly if you are searching for a specific fitting type or gemstone, or visit our shop at 29 High Street, Battle, East Sussex, open Monday to Saturday, 10:15 to 17:00.

Expertly Curated By

Victoria DahmsAntique Jewellery Expert

Victoria has 30 years experience curating the finest antique and vintage jewellery

Victoria's Story

Questions

Common Questions

Do antique earrings suit contemporary dress? +

Extremely well. Antique earrings are among the most versatile pieces in the jewellery wardrobe. A simple pair of Victorian diamond or pearl studs suits both casual and formal wear. Art Deco drops add instant glamour to an evening outfit. The individuality of antique earrings - the fact that they are genuinely one-of-a-kind - is precisely what draws many customers to them over modern alternatives.

Are antique earrings authentic or reproductions? +

Victoria authenticates every pair of earrings we stock. Period fittings are often distinctly era-specific - Victorian C-catches, Edwardian screw backs, and Art Deco clip backs each have their own characteristic forms - and the construction of the settings, the character of the stones, and any hallmarks all contribute to authentication. We clearly note any pieces where later alterations have been made and describe these fully.

What gemstones appear most in antique earrings? +

Diamond is the most consistently popular choice across all periods. Turquoise and seed pearl were beloved by the Victorians in cluster and floral drop designs. Edwardian earrings frequently feature aquamarine, amethyst, or peridot in delicate gold or platinum settings. Art Deco examples use sapphire, ruby, and onyx for contrast against diamonds and platinum. Pearl drops are found throughout all periods.

Are antique drop earrings comfortable and practical to wear? +

Weight varies considerably by construction and length. Many antique drops are lighter than they appear - Edwardian pieces in open platinum or silver-topped gold are particularly light despite their visual presence. Very long Victorian chandelier earrings or substantial Art Deco drops may be more appropriate for evening wear than daily use. We note approximate weight in listings where this is particularly relevant to wearability.

Can antique earrings be converted between pierced and non-pierced fittings? +

Yes - most antique clip-back or screw-back earrings can be converted to pierced posts by a skilled jeweller without significantly altering the appearance of the piece. Equally, some pierced antique earrings can be fitted with clip mechanisms. Conversion quality matters - a good conversion is essentially invisible from the front. We can advise on which pieces are suitable candidates and recommend a specialist if needed.