Earrings of the Bustle Era

Earrings in the Mid 19th Century

So, what is correct and what isn't? Well after a bit of research it seems we may have a bit more options than I first believed. By the early 1880's jewelry was being made in all sorts of materials that made it much more affordable to the middle class lady. Earlier than that in the 1860s- hairwork was quite popular, my 1859 Godeys has a series of articles on creating it yourself. So, what were the styles popular during the different periods? Making a sweeping generalization, 1860-70's dangly french hook earrings (often quite large) 1880-90's smaller "ear bobs" with french hooks, "ear knobs" post style earings with screw backs, and even some "hoop" style earrings were appearing (quite a few styles of these available by the mid 1890's) below I have shown a few styles taken from my personal collection of fashion magazines. Please do not copy without permission.

Marna Jean

1868 Godey's Hairwork earring resembling grape cluster.

1879 Earrings from Demorest's

"rolled gold" set with cameos


1879 Earrings from Demorest's made from silk covered button moulds that have been painted. The magazine promises "That they shall become quite popular"

1883 Demorest

Gold "ear knobs" with screw backs- this is my earliest magazine in which I find post earrings. These are quite inexpensive being made from "rolled gold" and set with "white stones with foil backs cut like diamonds of the first water" in other words rhinestones!

Left- An assortment of typical drop style ear bobs from 1884 Demorest's


1883 Demorest- the earliest hoop style earring I have encountered

Looking for a place to get Victorian Jewelry?

Unique Antique- beautiful antique pieces- high end stuff

The Hairwork Society

Byrd Designs- lovely repro pieces

Melissa's Jewelry Box- more repro stuff

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