Modernist Graduated Concentric C-Hoop Pierced Earring

This single earring is a bold, modernist C-hoop design featuring a high-polish metallic finish in a warm yellow gold tone. The piece is constructed with a distinctive stepped or concentric relief pattern, where the outer rim flares outward and the inner section recedes into a deep groove, creating a three-dimensional, architectural silhouette. It is crafted with a flat-back profile, indicating the piece is likely hollow-cast or stamped to manage weight despite its substantial visual scale. The earring utilizes a traditional post-and-nut fastening system, featuring a straight surgical steel or base metal post extending from the top edge. The surface exhibits significant light reflection, though visible micro-scratches and minor surface tarnish are present, suggesting it is gold-plated over a base metal rather than solid gold. There are no visible maker's marks or purity stamps on the front or interior edges shown. The style is consistent with late 20th-century fashion jewelry, specifically the 1980s to early 1990s aesthetic of large-scale, sculptural accessories. The craftsmanship demonstrates smooth edges and a clean geometric flow, typical of high-quality vintage costume jewelry.

Upon visual examination of this single modernist C-hoop earring, I find it to be a representative example of late 1980s to early 1990s 'Power Jewelry.' The piece features a bold, concentric stepped relief with an architectural flare. The high-polish yellow gold finish shows micro-abrasions and minor tarnish consistent with gold-plating over a base metal. The absence of a '14K' or '18K' stamp, combined with the visible wear patterns, confirms its classification as high-quality vintage costume jewelry rather than fine jewelry. The market for 1980s sculptural costume jewelry remains steady, favored by collectors of 'chunky' vintage aesthetics. However, value is significantly hampered by the item being a single earring; most collectors seek matched pairs. Comparables for unbranded vintage plated hoops typically range from $40 to $80 for a pair. As a single replacement piece, the value resides primarily with a buyer specifically seeking to complete a set. Condition is 'Good-Vintage,' showing some loss of luster but no structural deformation. Limitations of this image-based appraisal include the inability to verify the base metal composition or test the post for nickel content. A physical inspection would be required to search for microscopic maker’s marks (such as Monet or Napier) which could slightly elevate the value. I would also need to utilize a jeweler’s loupe to determine if the surface is Vermeil or simply electroplated. To confirm full authenticity or provenance, original packaging or a matching signed mate would be necessary.