Early Victorian Cut Steel EarringsEarly Victorian Cut Steel, Brass & Onyx Earrings. Beautifully preserved with a bright gray sparkle. Circa 1840, French in Origin. Cut steel was an effective substitution for early rose cut diamonds. Its popularity endured well into the 19th century as it was considered appropriate for second stage mourning adornment. See our Field Guide for more on the history of steel jewels. Please see our Field Guide for more history on Steel jewels. Cut steel