Vintage Gold Tone Filigree Blue Cabochon Screw-Back Earrings

This is a pair of vintage screw-back earrings, crafted in a gold-tone metal with a delicate filigree design. Each earring features a prominent oval-shaped, iridescent blue stone, likely a cabochon, set prominently in the center. The blue stone exhibits a subtle play of color or sheen, suggesting it might be a type of man-made glass (such as a 'moonstone' simulant or art glass) or a natural material like chalcedony or synthetic opal, though precise identification without closer inspection is difficult. The stone is securely held by a bezel setting, appearing to be surrounded by small prongs or a smooth metal rim. The gold-tone metal exhibits an antique or aged patina, visible as some darkening in the crevices of the filigree work, which enhances the decorative elements. The filigree work itself is intricate, forming a graceful, almost floral or scroll-like pattern around the central stone, giving the earrings an elegant and classic appearance. The total weight of the pair is 5 grams. The reverse side clearly shows a screw-back mechanism, indicating these are not designed for pierced ears but rather to be tightened onto the earlobe. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality for costume jewelry of its era, with no obvious signs of significant damage like breaks, missing filigree, or loose stones, although typical surface wear and minor scratching consistent with age and use might be present on closer examination. The style points to a mid-20th-century aesthetic, possibly from the 1940s to 1960s, reflecting a period when screw-back earrings were common.

Upon examining the images and details provided for this pair of vintage gold-tone filigree earrings, I have conducted an appraisal based on the visible characteristics. The earrings are a classic example of mid-20th-century costume jewelry, likely dating from the 1940s to 1960s, indicated by the screw-back mechanism and design. The condition appears to be good for their age, with the filigree work intact and no apparent major damage. The gold-tone plating shows some expected patination, which is common and often desirable in vintage pieces. The central stones are described as iridescent blue cabochons. Without physical testing, I assess them to be art glass simulants, such as 'Saphiret' or a similar type of foiled glass, designed to mimic a more precious stone like a moonstone. The value is primarily driven by their aesthetic appeal as wearable vintage costume jewelry, not by the intrinsic value of the materials. The 5-gram total weight is consistent with costume pieces made from a base metal. Market comparables for unsigned, gold-tone, mid-century screw-back earrings with glass cabochons typically place them in an accessible price range. Demand for this style is steady among collectors of vintage fashion and costume jewelry. The primary factors limiting value are the use of non-precious metals and simulated stones. It is crucial to note the limitations of this appraisal. Without a physical, in-person examination, I cannot definitively identify the metal composition or the specific type of stone. Full authentication would require non-destructive XRF testing for the metal and gemological testing for the stones. Furthermore, research for a maker's mark, which would require magnification, could significantly alter the value if a notable designer were identified.