Onyx and Diamond Deco Earrings

• Brilliant Cut - In their naturally occuring state diamonds have little life or sparkle and for many centuries were simply cut in half and worn in amulets. Invented at the end of the 17th century by a Venetian diamond cutter, a "brilliant cut" diamond has 58 facets arranged in a regular geometric relationship, with 33 above the crown and 25 below on the pavilion.
  
  The introduction of the brilliant cut increased the popularity of diamonds in jewellery as it was the first cut to reveal the fire of the diamond, with the light being internally reflected from one facet to another, and was superior to the previously used table cut and rose cut.Variants to the brilliant cut have emerged since the end of the 17th century, but the popularity of the original brilliant cut has continued to the present time, where it is still the most commonly found cut.
  
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• Onyx - Onyx is a form of agate, used from antiquity and popular again in the 1920s and 30s. European onyx is generally green, but can be many other colours, and can contain bands of black and/or white.
  
  This multicoloured stone is widely used for table tops, lamp bases and in jewellery. Some types of onyx are also used for cameos of which the upper white layer is cut away to reveal the colour beneath.
• Collet Setting - A collet setting in jewellery is a type of setting that is used to hold a gemstone or other decorative element securely in place. The collet is a ring of metal that surrounds the stone and holds it in place. The collet is typically made of the same metal as the rest of the piece and is often used in vintage or antique jewellery.
  
  In a collet setting, the gemstone is placed into a small metal ring, also known as a collet. The metal ring is then bent or folded over the edges of the gemstone to hold it securely in place. The collet is then attached to the rest of the piece of jewellery, such as a ring or pendant.
  
  One of the benefits of a collet setting is that it allows the maximum amount of light to enter the stone, which can enhance its brilliance and sparkle. It also allows the stone to be seen from the sides, which makes it a popular choice for showcasing particularly beautiful or unique stones.
  
  The collet setting is a classic and elegant setting and it is often found in antique jewellery, particularly from the Victorian and Edwardian periods.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Art Deco jewellery - earrings, period or age 312
• earrings, gold - gold and brilliant cut diamonds 2,881