Victorian Gold Coach Covers

A 19th c. invention, "coach covers" take their name from what was their primary intended use: the hinged spheres fastened over diamond drop earrings to conceal the valuable stones from robbers and highwaymen while in transit (by stagecoach, obviously). Upon arrival at the fabulous dinner or party or ball, the coach covers would be removed to reveal the dazzling gems within. The secondary use for coach covers would be as a day-to-night accessory - snap them over flashy earrings for a modest appearance suitable to the daytime, and then remove them for evening hours when more elaborate jewels were appropriate. They were almost always American-made, and in high-karat gold.