These very rare Imperial era diamond earrings were made in St. Petersburg, circa 1890, by Alexander Tillander, a prominent jewelry firm and competitor of Faberge at the time.
The center stones (approximately 0.67 ct and 0..56 ct, H-I color, VS2 clarity) are encircled by two rows of chunky old mine cut diamonds of various sizes and shapes.
Judging by the cut, some smaller diamonds are much older than the earrings, perhaps dating back to the 1700s.
Estimated total diamond weight is 6 – 6.5 carats.
Marked with 56 zolotnik old Russian gold standard (14K), St. Petersburg assay mark, lozenge shaped maker’s mark with initials ‘A . T’ and scratched inventory number 6784.
Diameter is 16 mm (5/8 in.)
Total height with ear wire is 25 mm (15/16 in.)
Weight: 4.29 and 4.32 grams.
Tillander’s firm produced jewelry for Imperial court aristocracy and the Tsarist family. Tillander objects are displayed in American museums (Art Institute of Chicago, Cleveland museum of Art).
