AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a pair of vintage clip-on or post earrings featuring a whimsical marine life design. Each earring is composed of a golden-toned metallic dolphin arching over a circular disc. The central disc is primary black, appearing to be black enamel or polished onyx glass, providing a dark contrast to the metallic elements. Intricately set along the bottom edge of the disc and forming swirling wave motifs are small, glittering stones that resemble marcasite (iron pyrite) or small glass rhinestones set in a pavé style. The dolphin's body is smooth and polished with a visible eye hallmark and dorsal fin. The overall construction suggests a mid-to-late 20th-century fashion jewelry piece, likely from the 1980s or 1990s. In terms of condition, the items show significant surface wear; the gold plating is thinning and showing a dark patina or tarnish in the recessed areas. There are visible scuffs on the black circular inserts. The craftsmanship is typical of high-quality costume jewelry, with detailed metalwork in the 'wave' sections. No designer signatures are visible from the frontal view, but the style is reminiscent of boutique costume brands of the era.

I have examined the digital images of these vintage figural earrings, which feature a dolphin and wave motif common in late 20th-century costume jewelry. The design language, particularly the use of pavé-set stones to simulate marcasite and the contrast of black enamel against gold-tone metal, is characteristic of 1980s nautical fashion trends. My visual assessment identifies significant wear to the electroplating, with visible oxidation and loss of the 'gold' finish on the dolphin's body and wave crests. The black inserts appear to be acrylic or glass rather than true onyx, based on visible surface scuffs. While the metalwork shows a degree of intricacy indicative of high-quality mass-market brands like Trifari or Napier, the lack of a visible signature and the present condition issues—specifically the thinning plating and tarnish—limit its market value. The vintage costume jewelry market remains stable for figural pieces; however, collectors prioritize 'mint' condition or signed designer examples. As this appraisal is based on images alone, I cannot definitively determine the metal composition or the specific material of the black discs. A physical inspection would be required to verify the presence of hallmark stamps on the reverse or clips, and to use a jeweler's loupe to check for missing pavé stones or delamination of the enamel. Provenance documenting the original purchase would further clarify its vintage origin.