Poissarde earrings hail from a form of late 18th to early 19th century European tradition.

Derived from the French word for fish, "poison", there is mixed information on why this designation. But lore has it that this design was worn by wives of French village fishermen.

However, its shape was transformed to also appeal to the more aristocratic and fashionable women of the time. In Paris and other European capitals, examples exist that are set with cameos, precious gems, and fine paste stones.

A rare example is this grand silver pair. In earrings of this period, silver is far scarcer than gold examples! This purely lyrical pair is set with a flower motif with twisted silver wire. Spirals of silver wend their way down tapering toward the bottom.

Plain steely blue-gray silver works its way up the back. Typical of the style, "S" supports of silver strengthen the circular outline, if viewed from the side. All original, the back-to-front ear wires feature a small wig loop. This prevents the hoop from falling forward, as the front half is always more decorative, thus heavier, than the back.

Even more exceptional is that this pair appears to be of German in origin. Two distinct hallmarks provide that evidence. Never before has The Three Graces offered such impressive silver poissarde earrings, and German in origin.

They do not weigh down the ear; the ear wires are thicker than modern ones, but not so thick as to be problematic for most collectors and more importantly wearers.

Note: See attached picture from the book, “Volkstümlicher Schuck” from the Museum Für Kunst Und Gewerbe, Hamburg, Bearbeutet vin Unge Behrnann. This is the Museum for Art & Crafts in Hamburg, and the book covers some of their antique provincial jewelry collection.

An image of similar silver filigree work and earrings from Germany are shown in the photo. Within the book, see plate XIV for silver filigree work in an enlarged image, and pages 83, 169,238, and 265 for similar earrings.