Vintage Gold Tone Dolphin And Onyx Style Marcasite Earrings Appraisal

Vintage Gold-Tone Dolphin and Onyx-Style Marcasite Earrings

This is a pair of vintage clip-on or post earrings featuring a whimsical marine life design. Each earring is composed of a golden-toned metallic dolphin arching over a circular disc. The central disc is primary black, appearing to be black enamel or polished onyx glass, providing a dark contrast to the metallic elements. Intricately set along the bottom edge of the disc and forming swirling wave motifs are small, glittering stones that resemble marcasite (iron pyrite) or small glass rhinestones set in a pavé style. The dolphin's body is smooth and polished with a visible eye hallmark and dorsal fin. The overall construction suggests a mid-to-late 20th-century fashion jewelry piece, likely from the 1980s or 1990s. In terms of condition, the items show significant surface wear; the gold plating is thinning and showing a dark patina or tarnish in the recessed areas. There are visible scuffs on the black circular inserts. The craftsmanship is typical of high-quality costume jewelry, with detailed metalwork in the 'wave' sections. No designer signatures are visible from the frontal view, but the style is reminiscent of boutique costume brands of the era.