Victorian Irish Harp Cufflinks
Cool antique cufflinks dating from the late Victorian period, circa 1900, each one comprising a Celtic Harp - as featured on the coat of arms of Ireland - and a torpedo shaped piece of Connemara marble. The harps are set with panels of the green marble, and they're crafted in 9ct rose gold. They're beautifully made, finished with intricate engraved detailing and complete with a period tooled-leather presentation box.
The Celtic Harp (aka Irish harp) is known as cláirseach in Gaelic, a wire-strung instrument that requires immense skill and dexterity to play. Appearing on Irish coinage, the coat of arms, and, of course, the Guiness logo, it was traditionally associated with the Irish aristocracy. Although the origins of the instrument are unknown, Wikipedia notes that: A notched piece of wood which some have interpreted to be part of the bridge of an Iron Age lyre dating to around 300 BC was discovered on the Isle of Skye, which, if actually a bridge, would make it the oldest surviving fragment of a western European stringed instrument (although images of Greek lyres are much older).
Era: Victorian, circa 1900
Harps: 16mm by 12mm
Torpedos: 23mm by 7mm
Stones: Connemara Marble
Marks: None, tested as 9ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
More Questions?
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alex@lostowl.jewelry