In this example the earrings, distinctively English in design, incorporated the Japanese design elements of the use of mixed metals called shakudo and shibuichi in Japan. Ginny Dawes in her book entitled Victorian Jewelry, describes this period and the jewelry designed. An almost identical pair of earrings is pictured on page 36.

The earrings are not stamped or merely engraved as many others of this period, but have an overlay of silver which has yellow and rose gold accents. The reverse shows a disc in the center where the silversmith attached the top flower. The earrings have a rope twist and tiny bullet accents around the rose gold border. Each section of the flower is also hand etched. These details indicate fine silver work that is very time consuming. Also on the reverse is a mark often called a "kite mark" for its shape. Prized by collectors, it is a means to authenticate the date of manufacture. In this example the earrings can be traced to November 5, 1855. It also has the initials H&N, the company of manufacture.

The earrings measure approximately 1 1/4 inches long from the top of the wire x 5/8 inches across. The original silver wires had been replaced with gold. Lovely, wearable English antique earrings, circa 1855.