Vintage Starburst Clip-On Earrings with Lapis Lazuli and Seed Pearls

This is a pair of vintage costume jewelry clip-on earrings featuring an intricate starburst or snowflake design. Each earring is constructed from a gold-toned metal filigree, likely brass or gold-plated base metal, showcasing six radiating arms with fleur-de-lis style terminals. Centrally, each piece is anchored by a bezel-set, round cabochon of deep blue lapis lazuli, which exhibits a rich, matte finish. Surrounding the central stone are six smaller, cream-colored seed pearls, likely imitation or glass given the period, set into the recessed areas of the starburst. The metalwork displays a warm gold patina with minor signs of oxidation consistent with age. The earrings utilize a traditional paddle-back clip mechanism, which appears functional but shows slight surface wear. The design aesthetic is characteristic of the mid-20th century, specifically the 1950s or 1960s, a period favoriting ornate, regal motifs and bold color contrasts like navy and gold. While no maker's mark is visible in the provided image, the craftsmanship suggests high-quality costume jewelry. Condition is good overall, with all stones intact, though light surface scratches and typical vintage tarnish are present.

I have examined the digital images of these vintage starburst clip-on earrings. The design, featuring fleur-de-lis motifs and a central lapis lazuli cabochon accented by seed pearls, is consistent with high-aesthetic mid-20th-century costume jewelry, likely dating to the 1950s or 1960s. The filigree work suggests a quality higher than mass-market period pieces, though no visible hallmarking suggests a non-designer origin. The condition appears 'Good to Very Good,' with minor oxidation typically seen on gold-toned base metals and intact settings. The current market for unsigned mid-century costume jewelry remains stable but competitive. Comparables for similar non-designer starburst or Maltese cross motifs typically fetch between $35 and $85 in retail vintage boutiques. The use of deep blue lapis lazuli adds a classic appeal that increases desirability compared to common plastic-set pieces. However, the lack of a maker's mark (such as Trifari or Miriam Haskell) and the presence of imitation pearls limit the ceiling price. Note that this appraisal is based strictly on visual inspection of images. Authenticity of the lapis lazuli as natural stone versus dyed jasper or glass cannot be confirmed without a scratch test or refractive index measurement. Similarly, the metal composition—whether gold-plated brass or a lower-grade alloy—requires an acid test for certainty. A physical inspection would also be necessary to verify the tension of the paddle-back clips and the security of the prong settings. Provenance documentation, if available, could potentially elevate the value if linked to a known collection or boutique.