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SOLD: Early Victorian carnelian and gold earrings, circa 1850

$1,152.00

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Orange – barley-sugar orange – is served up by this striking pair of early Victorian carnelian earrings. It’s such an unusual and appealing colour.

Two pairs of similar chalcedony earrings I’ve had in the past year sold before I could list them. Carnelian – or cornelian, as I called it in my days in the antique markets of London – is itself a form of chalcedony.

Its defining characteristic is its translucence – a result of its crystalline structure – that makes it ideally suited for large earrings.

These were once night-and-day earrings but the original back fasteners have been changed to simple front hooks.

Something lost, something gained. The price reflects this difference.

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING WITH FEDEX

• Handmade in nine-carat yellow gold

• Set with four polished carnelian stones

• Approximately 4.5cm long, not including ear hooks

• Weight is 6.8 grams

• In very good antique condition: the ear fittings have been changed from front-opening to back-opening

• Will come in a Karen Deakin gift box

Please examine the photographs carefully – they form part of the description.

I’d be very happy to send more information and images. Layaway available.

Shipping & Policies

Shipping

I offer free worldwide express shipping, tracked and insured. Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I’m not responsible for delays due to customs.

Payment Options

Direct bank transfer (Australian customers only)

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Returns & Exchanges

I accept returns within 14 days if you’re not delighted with your purchase.

Please contact me immediately if you have any problems with your order.

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I will only use your shipping and billing address, and contact information

To communicate with you about your order
To fulfill your order
For legal reasons (like paying taxes)

Karen Deakin Antiques

5.0

Based on 32 reviews

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Toni Clark

06:30 16 Jan 24

I have been acquiring antique preciousness from Karen now for a few years. Not only are all my purchases of the highest quality Karen has a great eye and also is very much the jewelry whisperer as she knows exactly what I like, and she is yet to be wrong. I also have only been in her shop to make one purchase (the very first one) everything else has been purchased over the internet, without a hitch or disappointment. Thanks for everything Karen hope to see you this year! Toni

M Masselos

06:57 19 Aug 23

I have been purchasing from Karen for a few years now & have added some beautiful pieces to my collection. She also offers layaway, without I would never have been able to purchase the pieces I have so I’m truly grateful. It’s a hidden gem in one of Sydney’s beautiful old buildings. You won’t be disappointed.

nicholas perkins

11:06 22 Feb 23

Nicholas and Susan Perkins on 22.02.23Karen Deakin is exemplary in her world of antique jewellery and we will certainly buy from her again. I confirm all the many glowing references on line which in fact helped my decision to enquire in the first instance. The necklace we bought is more lovely in the flesh than viewed on line and I am thrilled with it. Karen's learned depth of knowledge, advice and help with purchase over a great distance was invaluable - we can only highly recommend her to all. A true professional and a fascinating, lovely woman whom I would l like to meet one day and continue the many unfinished conversations we've had. If there was an award for Antique jewellery services....

Jamie Lee

06:40 16 Nov 22

I bought from Karen on Etsy, what an amazing shop she has to offer and even more amazing customer service with unmatched jeweler expertise. The kind only a true collector and lover of old world pieces could have. Everything was packed beautifully and I was updated throughout the shipping process until it arrived here to America safely. This is like attending your local best kept secret shop, but from the comfort of your own home if you are buying online. Don’t hesitate to make a purchase or stop in if you are fortunate enough to live down the street from her. Enjoy!!

David Gonsalves

01:27 28 Oct 21

This is my second purchase from Karen Deakin Antiques. It won’t be the last‼️ Superior customer service coupled with museum quality jewerly equals a lifelong customer😊

Anthony Tran

22:03 15 May 21

Karen has been an absolute pleasure to deal with. She has gone beyond and above with her service and business. Karen shared her valuable knowledge in fine jewellery and answered our questions. She made us feel comfortable when we arrived at her store and spent a generous time with us. Karen was readily available and professional throughout the process. Thank you so much ❤️

Lucy Hayward

07:46 30 May 20

What a wonderful shop and owner! Karen kindly offered layaway and answered any questions I had. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend and hope to shop here again soon. Thanks Karen 🌺

Shazzy E

22:37 30 Apr 20

Absolute pleasure to do business with, and stunning piece! I’m a dealer in the states, entire transaction went smoothly and great price. Thanks Again!!

Chris Wilson

06:07 17 Dec 19

Karen is an absolute legend. She helped me navigate one of the most important purchases I've made to date. A no pressure attitude and an understanding of one's budget. She also helped with resizing the ring.You can see Karen truely loves what she does - would recommend!

Kate Harrison

07:08 30 Sep 19

Catherine Chang

11:00 09 Aug 18

Karen's shop has been such a delightful find! It can be hard to find a good antique jewellery shop and some can be very unapproachable. Karen's shop is the opposite! Karen is very welcoming, warm and trustworthy. When you buy something from her shop, you can trust that it is an antique which is not always the case from other sellers in my experience. I have purchased two gorgeous lockets from her which I treasure. Every time I visit, (dangerously) there is always something that catches my eye! If only I could visit more often!

Lisa Rogers

13:10 22 May 18

Karen, of Karen Deakin Antiques was wonderful from order to delivery. She is quick to respond to any questions you may have and her experience speaks for itself. The description of her beautiful jewelry is spot on. No surprises from this wonderful woman!I wouldn’t hesitate to order another piece from her eclectic collection of fine antique jewelry!...Shipping? The ring made its way from Australia to California in a mere week! You will not be disappointed to say the least. Visit her Etsy store, you are bound to fall in love with a beautiful piece of jewelry as well as a beautiful woman that you can trust 100%.

Edwina Scott

08:03 10 Apr 18

I have bought several beautiful pieces from Karen in the past few years. Karen has an amazing range of beautiful jewellery which spans a number of eras. She has decades of experience in the area of antique jewellery and you can buy with confidence from her. A very knowledgeable and approachable seller, pleasant to deal with, honest and won’t try and talk you into something which won’t suit you, or is more expensive than another option you are weighing up. I will definitely be back (again!)

Wen-Ai Yu

10:29 16 Feb 18

Karen's passion and extensive knowledge of antique jewelry is obvious from the moment you step inside her shop. She has such a beautifully curated collection of jewelry - her pieces are always high quality and always a rare or a special example of something from that particular time period/genre. Karen has fantastic taste, which shows in her classic, yet modern, and very wearable collection.Karen helped my husband through the engagement ring process - from identifying the perfect ring, purchasing, and a speedy (and perfect) re-sizing before we left on a trip out of the country.If you're looking for an engagement ring, a special piece of jewelry, or just a treat for yourself or a loved one, I HIGHLY recommend visiting Karen's shop, webstore, or contacting her directly. The nicest service mixed with top quality pieces - you really can't go wrong!

E W

02:10 28 Jan 18

I've had the pleasure and honor of purchasing many fantastic pieces from the always charismatic and lovely Karen. To say that I have been and continue to be thrilled with every purchase is an understatement.Karen is unparalleled in her authenticity, warmth, and professionalism; what's more, she is extremely generous in sharing her knowledge, wisdom, and excellence in curated taste. In working with Karen, you will immediately notice and fall in love with her charming and sweet personality; her excellent communication skills really give such a strong sense of security to every transaction, and her beautiful words are very much like a hug from a cherished childhood friend.I couldn't be more pleased with my purchases and the fantastic communication every step of the way. Dear Karen is as much renowned and respected for her knowledge about antique jewelery as she is for her genuinely sweet nature.I'm absolutely delighted to have worked with you, again, Karen. You're a brilliant soul, and I cannot wait to have the immense joy of working with you to add more of your gorgeous curated pieces to my collection!

Federica Diletta

04:06 06 Dec 17

I visit Karen periodically to see her collection - she has some incredible top quality pieces that you can't find anywhere else in Sydney. My partner recently bought me a piece from Karen's - she's been incredibly helpful and patient, she explained to me many things about antiques and I have no doubt the next purchase will be from her! She is the go-to person for anything related to antique jewellery - the experience with her has been superb!

Varina Krook

06:14 05 Dec 17

I bought an incredible pair of earrings here after discovering Karen on instagram. Her jewellery collection is beautiful and she is a pleasure to deal with. She came in to the store especially for me on her day off to show me the piece and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. A lovely shop, well worth a visit if you’re looking for something unique and of the highest quality.