Garnet Cluster Screw-Back Earring

This is a single gold-tone screw-back earring with a dangle of dark red garnet beads. The earring features a screw mechanism for attachment to the earlobe, indicative of a style popular before pierced earrings became widespread. The screw-back is a simple, adjustable finding made of a brassy-yellow colored metal, likely plated metal or a low-karat gold alloy, with a circular disc at the front and a rotating screw on the back. Suspended from the screw-back is a cluster of small, irregularly shaped garnet beads. The beads vary slightly in size and form, suggesting they are natural stones that have been tumbled or minimally faceted. The color is a deep, rich red, with some areas appearing almost black in lower light, and a translucent quality when light passes through. The beads are assembled together, with one larger, elongated multifaceted bead at the top, followed by several smaller, generally round beads arranged in a cluster that resembles a small bunch of grapes. The overall condition appears good for its age, with no visible damage to the beads or the finding, although some minor surface wear or patina might be present on the metal due to age and handling. The craftsmanship is basic but functional, with the beads strung together to create a simple pendant. This type of earring style and use of garnets were common during the Victorian or Edwardian eras.

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