Vintage Sterling Silver Heart-and-Bow Drop Earring

This item is an individual drop-style earring featuring a feminine heart and bow motif. The piece is constructed from a silver-toned metal, likely sterling silver based on the characteristic dark oxidation and patina visible in the recessed areas. The earring consists of three articulated sections: a small spherical post top with a straight mounting pin, a stylized decorative bow middle section, and a large, puffed (hollow-form) heart drop. The heart has a smooth, high-polish finish that shows significant surface wear, including numerous fine hairline scratches and small indentations consistent with regular use. The overall aesthetic suggests a late-20th-century romantic or 'shabby chic' style, possibly from the 1980s or 1990s. While no hallmarks are immediately visible on the front, the jump rings connecting the segments appear sturdy. The metal exhibits a yellow-grey tarnish, indicating a need for professional cleaning to restore its original luster. Its construction utilizes lightweight metal smithing techniques typical of commercial jewelry production of the era.