A Pair of Dormeuses Poissardes Earrings

set in 18ct yellow and rose gold with the french eagle head hallmark and a boar head for the silver flower c.1880s

A dormeuse (“sleeper” meaning to wear also while sleeping) poissarde (“fishwife”) is a type of earring worn c. 1790-1810 by the fishwives of Paris. The Poissardes had a special relationship with the king who gave exclusive privileges to the destitute women to sell their goods in designated sites throughout Paris, and they played a significant role in the French Revolution. Usually designed to be worn day and night, the earrings are characterised by a geometrical design, often with 2 or 3 ornaments below each other and sometimes set with gemstones, the ear wire resembling an s-shaped fish hook when open and worn back to front.

• Origin French
• Period 19th Century
• Materials Gold
• Carat for Gold 18 K
• Dimensions 2cm x 2cm
• Hallmark Eagle's head Boar head Mc

Product REF: 378P