Vintage Jet or Onyx Teardrop Dangle Earrings

This pair of vintage dangle earrings features a classic teardrop or pear-shaped aesthetic. Each earring is composed of a smooth, polished black gemstone or glass bead—likely jet, onyx, or French jet—set into an ornate yellow-metal decorative cap. The caps exhibit a detailed openwork or filigree gallery design, suggesting a production style consistent with the mid-20th century, possibly influenced by Victorian revival trends. The earrings are suspended from 'shepherd's hook' or French wire backs made of an imitation gold or gold-plated metal. These wires feature a small decorative ball at the base where they connect to the dangle. The construction relies on a central pin that secures the stone to the cap and wire assembly. Overall, the items appear to be in good vintage condition with minor surface scratches on the black stones and some slight patina or wear to the gold-toned finish of the metal components. No visible hallmark or maker's mark is discernible from the image, but the craftsmanship indicates mass-produced costume jewelry of a higher quality tier from the late 1940s to 1960s. The size appears to be approximately 1 inch in total length, though they are pictured through a plastic bag which slightly obscures small detail.

I have examined the digital images of this pair of vintage teardrop dangle earrings. Based on the filigree gallery caps and shepherd's hook configuration, these earrings are characteristic of mid-20th-century Victorian Revival costume jewelry, likely dating from the 1950s or 1960s. The black elements appear to be either polished onyx or high-quality 'French jet' (molded black glass). The metal shows a warm yellow tone consistent with gold plating over a base metal, displaying light oxidative patina appropriate for its age. The condition is graded as 'Good' to 'Very Good' vintage condition, showing minor surface abrasions to the stones and slight thinning of the plating on the wires. The current market for mid-century costume jewelry is steady, though values for anonymous (unmarked) pieces are driven more by aesthetic appeal than brand heritage. Comparables found on secondary markets like Etsy and eBay for similar Victorian Revival teardrops typically range from $35 to $85 depending on the material and craftsmanship. These earrings occupy a mid-tier position due to the complexity of the openwork caps. Financial value is limited by the lack of maker's marks and the high production volume of the era. To definitively authenticate these, an in-person examination is required. Specifically, a thermal conductivity test would distinguish between natural onyx and glass (jet/French jet). Furthermore, an acid scratch test or XRF analysis would be necessary to confirm if the metal is solid karat gold or gold-fill. Without physical inspection, the material composition remains an educated visual estimate. Provenance or original packaging would significantly enhance the historical value but is currently absent.