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.
