Two pairs of gem-set earrings, mid and late 19th century. Photo sotheby's

Comprising: a pair of Hellenistic revival earrings, each suspending a hen decorated with white enamel, between two rows of seed pearls, the surmount set with two cabochon garnets and highlighted with blue enamel, hook fittings, fitted case; together with a pair of earrings each designed as an intricately woven basket of flowers decorated with polychrome enamel, accented with pearls, suspended from a ribbon bow motif surmount, later post and butterfly fittings. Estimate 3,000-4,000 GBP - Lot Sold: 28,750 GBP

LITERATURE: Cf: Daniela Mascetti and Amanda Triossi, Earrings From Antiquity to the Present, London, 1990, pages 30 and 35 for examples of Etruscan and Hellenistic earrings featuring birds, pages 102-3 and 106 showing examples of naturalistic subjects.

Sotheby's. Fine Jewels, London, 13 Jul 2011 www.sothebys.com