Dichroic Glass Earrings Appraisal

Vintage Screw-Back Earrings with Dichroic Glass Accents

This pair of vintage screw-back earrings features an oval, bezel-set dichroic glass cabochon within a silver-toned metal setting. Each earring is composed of two main parts: the screw-back mechanism and the decorative drop element. The screw-back finding is standard for older jewelry, characterized by a threaded post and a flat, circular pad for adjusting comfort and securing the earring to the earlobe. Below the screw-back, a spherical bead is attached, acting as a small spacer or design element. Suspended from this bead is the primary decorative component, an elongated oval shape with a scalloped or ridged edge, suggesting a handcrafted or artisanal quality. The central element of each oval is a striking dichroic glass cabochon, exhibiting a vibrant color shift from an intense purple-blue at one end to a warm orange-amber at the other, depending on the angle of light. This iridescent quality is a hallmark of dichroic glass. The silver-toned metal shows a significant amount of dark patina, indicating age and possible prolonged exposure to air. This patina is consistent with unpolished sterling silver or an oxidized base metal, enhancing the vintage aesthetic. There are no immediately visible maker's marks or stamps, which is common for older, unsigned pieces. The construction appears sturdy, with no obvious breaks or repairs, though the screw mechanism should be tested for full functionality. The overall condition suggests moderate wear commensurate with its age. These earrings likely date from the mid-20th century, possibly 1950s-1970s, given the screw-back style and the aesthetics of the glass.