French Plique-à-jour Enamel Earrings with Diamonds Circa 1950

French Enamel (Plique-à-jour) Earrings, a radiant display of artistry in 14K gold. The allure of plique-à-jour, meaning ‘letting in daylight,’ is captured through the meticulous application of enamel, creating a stained-glass effect that is both delicate and vibrant. Adorned with the rustic charm of Polki diamonds and the timeless sparkle of Round Brilliant Cut diamonds, these earrings are a symphony of elegance and sophistication. 

Plique-à-jour, a term derived from French, loosely means ‘allowing daylight to pass through.’ This enameling technique involves applying translucent enamel onto metal frameworks without any backing, resulting in a stained-glass-like effect. Also known as ‘backless cloisonné,’ it employs delicate strands of precious metals, typically gold or silver, to create compartments that distinctively isolate the various enamel hues in the artwork. Plique-à-jour is considered one of the most challenging enameling techniques due to its intricate and time-consuming nature. The technique’s difficulty is compounded by a high failure rate and the fragility of the finished product. Mastering plique-à-jour is quite rare among artisans. The secrets of the technique have historically been closely guarded, leading to a loss of knowledge and limited guidance for teaching and passing on the skills. Today, it remains a highly specialized and relatively rare form of decorative art, demanding not only patience and skill but also a deep understanding of the materials and processes involved

Polki Diamonds: 1.70 ct. (Approx.)
Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds: 0.70 ct. (Approx.)
Dimension: 2.87(L) x 2.51(W) x 1.63(D) cm.
Weight: 13.920 g.