Figural Earring Appraisal

Vintage Purple Swirl Art Glass and Amethyst Rhinestone Clip-On Earring

This item is a single vintage clip-on earring, appearing to be crafted from a base metal, likely a gold-toned alloy, set with a combination of art glass cabochons and faceted rhinestones. The central design features three prominent teardrop or marquis-shaped art glass stones, each exhibiting a captivating swirled pattern of opaque white and translucent dark purple or amethyst hues. These larger stones are prong-set, showcasing a careful craftsmanship in their mounting. Surrounding and accentuating these are smaller, round or cushion-cut faceted rhinestones, consistent in color with a deep amethyst or rich purple. These smaller stones are also prong-set, contributing to a multi-dimensional and clustered floral or starburst-like appearance. The metal setting shows some visible signs of age, including potential tarnishing or darkening in crevices, which is typical for vintage costume jewelry. There are no immediate visible signs of damage such as missing stones or broken prongs, although a more thorough inspection would be needed to confirm structural integrity and address any potential minor chips or scratches on the glass or rhinestones. The overall style suggests a mid-20th-century aesthetic, likely dating from the 1950s to 1970s, characteristic of a period when bold and colorful costume jewelry was popular. The 'clip earring' context confirms its functional type, designed to be worn without pierced ears. The quality indicators point to a well-made piece of costume jewelry, with multiple stone types and secure settings, suggesting a higher-end manufacturing for its category.