Vintage Rhinestone Clip-on Earring in Leaf Motif

This is a single vintage clip-on earring featuring a stylized, botanical leaf or wheat-stalk cluster design. The piece is constructed from a gold-toned base metal, possibly brass or gold-plated alloy, which exhibits a significant aged patina and some surface tarnish consistent with mid-20th-century costume jewelry. The arrangement consists of several marquise-cut clear rhinestones, also known as navette stones, along with smaller round accent rhinestones. These stones are individually prong-set within the metal frame. The design incorporates a sweeping, curved metal 'stem' element that adds a sense of movement to the cluster. In terms of condition, there is visible dulling of the stones, which suggests either surface grime or more permanent 'foil rot' where the silvering on the back of the glass has began to oxidize. The metal finish shows minor wear, particularly around the prong tips and the hinge of the clip mechanism. The clip-on backing appears to be a standard tension-lever style, common in the 1950s and 1960s before pierced earrings became the dominant style. While no maker's mark is immediately visible in the photograph, the quality of the prong setting and the complexity of the cast metal frame are indicative of mass-produced yet well-crafted costume jewelry from the mid-century era.