A pair of Dormeuses Poissardes Earrings

A pair of 18ct Gold Dormeuses Poissardes Earrings c.1860

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.

• Date & Provenance: 1860 
• Condition: Very good
• Materials: 18ct gold
• Measurements: approx 2cm x 2cm

Item Number: 378P