Pair of Modernist Cubic Zirconia or Diamond Pendant Earrings in Sterling Silver

This is a matching pair of drop-style earring components or small jewelry pendants featuring an architectural, modernist geometric design. Each piece is constructed from a cool-toned white metal, likely sterling silver or white gold, featuring an elongated 'A-frame' or wishbone structure. The metal arms converge at a top bail, which is attached to two interlocking jump rings for suspension. Near the base of each frame, a round brilliant-cut colorless stone is securely held in a four-prong setting. The stones exhibit significant dispersion and internal reflection, suggestive of high-grade cubic zirconia or diamonds. The construction appears to be cast rather than hand-forged, characteristic of late 20th-century or contemporary manufacturing. Both pieces show evidence of wear including light surface scratches and a slight yellowing or tarnish consistent with silver or unplated white gold. No visible maker’s marks or purity stamps are discernible in the photograph, but the craftsmanship is industrial and symmetrical. The overall aesthetic belongs to the minimalist contemporary jewelry period, focusing on clean lines and negative space.

Based on my visual examination of the provided imagery, I have assessed this pair of modernist geometric pendants/earring components. The items feature an architectural A-frame design rendered in a white metal consistent with sterling silver. The presence of surface oxidation and the specific 'bright' but slightly shallow dispersion of the round brilliant-cut stones leads me to conclude these are likely high-grade cubic zirconia rather than natural diamonds. The casting quality suggests medium-scale commercial production from the late 20th century rather than a bespoke artisan piece. The current market for unbranded, contemporary silver jewelry is saturated. These pieces represent a minimalist aesthetic that remains popular but lacks the rarity or maker’s hallmark required to command premium secondary market prices. Comparables for non-designer sterling silver and CZ drop earrings typically fall within the sub-$100 range at retail or estate sales. The value is primarily driven by the design's geometric appeal rather than intrinsic material worth. Several limitations exist in this remote appraisal. Without physical testing, I cannot definitively rule out 14k white gold or natural gemstones (such as white sapphire or diamond). A full authentication would require an acid or XRF metal purity test and a thermal conductivity probe for the stones. Furthermore, the absence of visible hallmarks (e.g., '925' or '14K') usually indicates lower-purity costume origins or custom-made components where the marks were intended for the earring posts, which are missing here. If these were proven to be 14k white gold with natural diamonds, the valuation would increase significantly to approximately $400 - $600.