High Polish Earrings Appraisal

Vintage High-Polish Ribbed Shrimp-Style Hoop Earrings

This item is a pair of vintage-style hoop earrings, commonly referred to as 'shrimp' or 'croissant' hoops due to their tapered, segmented, and bulbous shape. Each earring features a graduated design that is thickest at the bottom and tapers toward the top where the closure is located. The earrings are constructed with a high-polish yellow-gold finish, likely gold-plated or gold-filled base metal given the luster. The surface is characterized by prominent vertical ribbing or gadrooning, which creates a textured, undulating surface that reflects light at multiple angles. Each segment has a rounded, puffed appearance, suggesting they may be hollow-formed to allow for a large, bold aesthetic without excessive weight for the wearer. The earrings utilize a traditional saddleback or click-top latch closure with a hinged wire post. In terms of condition, the items appear well-maintained within a protective plastic bag; however, there is visible minor surface scratching and some slight darkening or tarnish within the recessed grooves of the ribs, which is typical for vintage costume or mid-range fine jewelry. No obvious maker's marks are visible through the packaging, but the style is indicative of late 20th-century fashion jewelry, specifically the 1980s or 1990s. The craftsmanship shows consistent spacing between the ribs and a symmetrical taper, indicating good mass-market quality for the period.