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At AC Silver we are pleased to be able to offer our customers a large collection of antique and vintage drop style earrings.
Our selection features antique diamond drop earrings, as well as gemstone earrings. This array of earrings includes antique, vintage and contemporary examples, which are crafted in platinum or gold.
Drop earrings were incredibly popular in the Art Deco era, when gamine haircuts allowed the long, pendulous earring to be shown unencumbered. Antique drop earrings continue to be considered a timeless piece of jewellery, and are a spectacular piece to add to any jewellery collection.
Drop earrings are accessories for the ear that hang below the earlobe, existing in the space below the ear itself. The drop earring has a history that goes back further than the more common stud earring. When starched collars and ruffs gained popularity across Europe in the 16th century, earrings of all kinds became less popular. The combination of popular hairstyles and oversized collars left the ears mostly covered, making drop earrings somewhat redundant.
At the close of the Georgian era, fashion tastes changed. Victorians eagerly replaced the collars and ruffs with much lower cuts, often exposing shoulders and decolletage. With this change, drop earrings became commonplace once again.
This earring style was incredibly popular in the Art Deco era. The revolutionary gamine haircuts of the time allowed the longer earring designs to be shown unencumbered. Antique drop earrings continue to be considered a timeless piece of jewellery, and are a spectacular piece to add to any jewellery collection.
Traditionally, drop earrings were reserved for night-time wearing. Formal occasions or parties are the ideal events for wearing most drop earrings. For an occasion that requires a black-tie dress code, drop earrings are essential. Many antique Art Deco drop earrings are perfect for this purpose. Using diamond drop earrings makes it simple to match earrings to any coloured outfit also.
The early-20th century also saw the inception of day-and-night earrings. These pieces of jewellery were versatile, suitable for wear in the daytime as well as the evening. The focal point of the earring was a simple stud with a subtle fastening toward the back of the setting. A separate piece attached to this fastening, transforming the piece into a drop earring. These were popular for their ability to transition seamlessly from day to night.
Smaller drop earrings have become more popular since the mid-20th century. These dainty pieces of jewellery are perfect for everyday use. Drop earrings are not inherently formal jewellery items, and today it is increasingly common to wear toned-down drop earrings regularly.