AI Appraisal Estimate

A pair of decorative fashion earrings by the brand Madison & Rhodes, presented on their original black and white retail display card. These earrings feature a classic oval halo design, consisting of a central black multifaceted faux stone or resin cabochon. This central dark gem is encircled by twelve smaller round, clear pavé-set rhinestones that create a sunburst or floral effect. The hardware appears to be a gold-tone base metal, typical of costume jewelry. The construction involves a prong or glue-set arrangement for the stones. In terms of condition, the items appear to be in new, unused condition as they remain attached to the original branding card which displays a retail price of $9.99. There is no visible oxidation on the metal or dullness in the stones, suggesting contemporary manufacture, likely from the late 20th or early 21st century. The craftsmanship is standard for mass-produced fashion accessories, focusing on aesthetic appeal and traditional styling rather than high-value materials. The backing is likely a standard post and butterfly nut closure, though the back is not visible in the image.

Based on my visual examination of these Madison & Rhodes Stud Earrings, I find them to be mass-market costume jewelry in excellent, new-old-stock condition. The earrings are presented on their original retail card, which explicitly lists a price point of $9.99. The materials consist of gold-tone base metal and synthetic components—specifically multifaceted resin or glass for the black center and clear rhinestones for the halo. There is no evidence of precious metals or natural gemstones. The construction is typical for standard fashion accessories, utilizing simple settings and glue-work suitable for high-volume production. Market conditions for this category are heavily saturated; such items are widely available at department stores and discount retailers. There is zero rarity associated with this piece, and resale value is constrained by the ease of purchasing modern equivalents brand new. Factors impacting value include the intact original branding, which preserves the 'new' status, though secondary market demand for this specific brand is low. Limitations of this appraisal include the inability to test for metal composition or verify the integrity of the earring posts located behind the card. A definitive authentication of the base metal would require acid testing or XRF analysis. However, given the branding and retail labeling, any discovery of high-value materials is highly improbable. My valuation reflects the secondary market 'flea market' or 'resale' price for decorative fashion jewelry.