Vintage Trifari-style Mother of Pearl Leaf Clip-On Earrings

A pair of vintage clip-on earrings featuring a botanical 'wreath' or trefoil design. Each earring is constructed from gold-tone base metal and set with three marquise-shaped (navette) inlays of genuine mother of pearl. The natural shell inlays exhibit a soft, iridescent luster with pink and green undertones. The metalwork features a combination of high-polish curved ribs and textured, serrated edges along the leaf borders, characteristic of mid-century costume jewelry aesthetics. Based on the clip mechanism and the design language, these likely date from the late 1950s to the 1960s. Regarding condition, there is visible age-related patina and minor tarnishing on the gold-tone finish, particularly in the recessed areas. The mother of pearl inlays appear intact with no significant chipping, though there is some surface grime. The hinges of the clip-back mechanisms appear functional and well-constructed, indicative of a mid-market manufacturer from the mid-20th century. Total size is approximately 20-25mm across.

I have carefully examined the provided images and descriptions of these vintage trefoil-design clip-on earrings. My visual inspection confirms they are representative of mid-century costume jewelry, likely produced between 1955 and 1965. The use of marquise-cut mother of pearl inlays paired with textured gold-tone metal is highly characteristic of the 'Trifari' aesthetic, though without a visible 'Crown Trifari' hallmark, I am valuing these as high-quality 'unsigned' vintage pieces. The condition is fair to good; while the shell inlays retain a desirable iridescence and appear free of cracks, the visible oxidation and loss of plating on the base metal slightly detract from the value. Market demand for 1960s botanical costume jewelry remains steady, particularly for shell-based designs. These are common rather than rare, with similar 'Crown Trifari' signed versions selling for $85-$120, and unsigned equivalents like these typically realizing the $45-$65 range. Final valuation is limited by the inability to physically inspect the tension of the hinges or confirm the manufacturer under magnification. A full authentication would require an in-person search for micro-stamps on the clip pads or 'pips' in the casting. Note that the presence of 'verdigris' (green corrosion), if found in person, would necessitate immediate cleaning to prevent further metal degradation and would lower the initial valuation.