AI Appraisal Estimate

A pair of petite stud earrings featuring oval-shaped cabochon-cut lapis lazuli stones. Each stone displays a deep, vibrant royal blue hue with characteristic subtle gold-toned flecks of pyrite and white calcite inclusions, indicative of natural lapis lazuli. The stones are securely set in a classic bezel setting, which is further accented by a delicate twisted rope-textured border in a yellow gold-toned metal. Based on their size relative to a fingertip, they likely measure approximately 8mm by 6mm. The construction shows high-quality finish with smooth polishing on the gemstones and even texturing on the metal surrounds. These earrings appear to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips or cracks to the gems, and the metal retains a bright luster. They likely date from the late 20th century, consistent with mid-to-high-end classic jewelry styles. The style is timeless, categorized by its elegant simplicity and the use of semi-precious natural materials. No manufacturer marks are visible from the front view, but the precision of the bezel suggests professional craftsmanship.

I have performed a visual examination of these oval lapis lazuli stud earrings. The pair features natural lazurite displaying the desired 'royal blue' saturation with fine pyrite inclusions, often sourced from high-grade deposits like Afghanistan. The cabochons are approximately 8x6mm, set within a yellow gold-toned bezel with a rope border motif. Based on visual cues, the metal appears to be at least 14K yellow gold or high-quality gold vermeil. The finish is consistent with professional late-20th-century craftsmanship. The market for classic lapis jewelry remains stable, with demand driven by the timeless appeal of 'estate' style pieces. Comparables for 14K gold lapis studs of this size typically retail between $150 and $250 in the secondary boutique market. Factors impacting value include the symmetry of the stone pairing and the integrity of the bezel seals. However, this appraisal is subject to several limitations due to the nature of remote visual assessment. I cannot definitively verify the metal purity without a professional acid test or XRF analysis, nor can I confirm the absence of dye enhancements in the lapis lazuli, which is common in commercial gems. A full authentication would require an in-person inspection of the hallmark/maker's mark on the posts or butterfly backings, a weight measurement in grams, and a microscopic examination of the stone's surface to ensure no professional resin filling has occurred. This valuation assumes the metal is 14K gold; should the setting be gold-plated base metal, the value would decrease to $40-$60.