Emerald-Cut Lavender Glass Post Earrings

This pair of stud earrings features emerald-cut lavender stones, which appear to be faceted glass or synthetic crystal, measuring approximately 8mm by 10mm. The stones are secured in a four-prong basket setting finished in a bright gold-tone metal. Each stone exhibits a rectangular shape with truncated corners and stepped facets on the crown. The metalwork shows signs of commercial-grade construction with visible prong tips and a high-shine yellow gold plating over a base metal. The earrings utilize a post-back mechanism, with one earring missing its clutch and the other retaining a standard butterfly or bullet-style nut. Condition-wise, the gold plating shows significant wear and tarnish, particularly along the top edges of the settings where the base metal is beginning to show through. There is visible surface accumulation and dust within the facet junctions, suggesting these are contemporary fashion jewelry (costume) rather than fine jewelry. Despite the user's note regarding pearls, no pearls are visible in this specific image. The lavender hue is consistent with amethyst-colored glass or cubic zirconia commonly found in late 20th-century to early 21st-century retail fashion accessories.

I have conducted a thorough visual examination of these emerald-cut lavender post earrings. Based on the material characteristics, the vibrant purple 'stones' exhibit the surface luster and facet-edge wear typical of mass-produced glass or synthetic crystals rather than natural lavender quartz or amethyst. The settings are comprised of a non-precious base metal with a yellow gold-colored plating. Notable condition issues include significant thinning of the gold-tone finish and oxidation at the contact points, which greatly impacts the secondary market appeal. While the owner mentioned pearls, none are present in this pair; I have evaluated these solely as costume jewelry from the late 20th century. The demand for generic, worn fashion jewelry is currently low, with similar items frequently found in bulk 'estate' lots at local auctions or second-hand markets. The primary value lies in their functional use as accessories rather than as an investment or collectible. Because this appraisal was conducted via image, I cannot definitively confirm the base metal composition or stone hardness. A physical inspection using a refractometer would determine if the stones are glass or cubic zirconia, and a simple acid test would verify the metal purity. However, given the visible wear patterns and construction style, it is highly unlikely these materials are precious. To increase the valuation, original designer signatures or branded packaging would be required, neither of which are present here.