Zirconia Earring Head Appraisal

Broken Cubic Zirconia or Diamond Earring Stud Head

This item is a small, silver-toned metal component that appears to be the setting head from a stud earring or a piece of costume jewelry. It features a rectangular or square perimeter with a geometric 'X' shaped support structure across the center designed to hold a stone. The metal exhibits a bright, reflective luster consistent with sterling silver, white gold, or rhodium-plated base metal. A notable feature is the stippled or textured finish on the interior floor of the setting. The construction is a modern mass-produced style, likely contemporary or within the last 20 years. Regarding the condition, the item is fundamentally incomplete and 'broken' as per the user context; it is missing the primary gemstone or crystal that would normally sit within the prongs, and the post or bale for attachment is absent. There are visible dark spots which could be shadows or minor tarnish, and some slight distortion in the prong alignment, suggesting mechanical stress prior to the loss of the stone. The craftsmanship is of standard commercial quality with no visible maker's marks or hallmarks on this specific fragment.