14KT Clad Claddagh Charm and Earring Backs

This jewelry set includes a circular Claddagh-themed charm and two butterfly-style earring backs, all featuring a yellow gold finish. The charm is designed with the traditional Irish Claddagh symbols: two hands holding a heart surmounted by a crown, forming a circular frame. Its reverse side displays several stamped markings, including a '14K' fineness mark, a copyright symbol followed by '87' (suggesting a 1987 manufacturing date), and a maker's mark consisting of the letters 'KO'. The construction appears to be gold clad or plated over a base metal, as indicated by the user and visible surface wear. The piece shows a distinct patina, with darkening and tarnish visible in the recessed areas and across the flat reverse surface. The metal shows minor scratches and a slightly granular texture characteristic of cast jewelry from the late 20th century. The attachment at the top includes a small circular bail for a chain or jump ring. The accompanying earring backs are standard friction nuts designed for post earrings, showing matching gold tones and mild signs of use. Overall, the item represents a piece of commercial heritage jewelry from the late 1980s, valued for its cultural symbolism.

I have carefully examined the provided images and descriptions of the Claddagh charm and earring backs. The piece displays a 14K hallmark and the maker's mark 'KO' with a 1987 copyright date. While the mark suggests 14-karat gold, the visible surface wear, darkening in recesses, and the owner's description of the item as 'clad' indicate that this is a gold-plated base metal rather than solid gold. The construction is characteristic of mass-produced commercial jewelry from the late 20th century. Current market conditions for gold-clad or gold-plated costume jewelry remain relatively low, as these items do not retain significant melt value and are valued primarily for their decorative appeal and cultural symbolism. The Claddagh is a common motif, meaning the rarity of this specific casting is low. Comparables for vintage gold-filled or plated Irish charms typically sell within the $10 to $30 range at auction or in secondary retail markets. Factors impacting this value include the moderate tarnish and the fact that the earring backs are mismatched functional components rather than part of a complete set. My assessment is limited by the digital format; a definitive valuation would require an in-person acid or XRF (X-ray fluorescence) test to confirm the exact gold content of the cladding and the composition of the core metal. I would also recommend verifying the 'KO' maker's mark through jeweler directories to confirm the specific manufacturer's reputation, though this is unlikely to significantly alter the valuation of a plated piece.