20k antique diamond studs set with old cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.0ctw.

These diamond studs are distinctly Straits Chinese, their diamonds clustered within a 7-sided star.

The diamonds are old transitional cut diamonds, somewhere between the Old European cut and the modern brilliant cut. These diamonds are not common to find now, but they feature quite frequently in old Straits Chinese diamond jewelry.

The ‘stars’ have a more solid mount than the usual Victorian scalloped mount. In this sense, the studs while gold-tipped and sharp also feel quite modernist, without the typical Victorian or 1900s filigree or curlicue gold work.

These type of Straits Chinese ‘bintang’ or star stud earrings used to be in families and different quality pairs of slightly different but similar styles passed through daughters. Today good quality pairs are no longer easy to come by.

This well-made pair is quite quirky, personal. At 13mm, each side has a unique ear post backing even though they do belong together.

This pair feels very chic now, and those who know will know it is an ethnic ‘heirloom’ style, otherwise it just wears very moderne.

The pair should date to the ’50s or earlier.