Vintage Gold-Tone and White Cabochon Swirl Stud Earrings

A pair of vintage-style stud earrings featuring a classic round design. Each earring is centered with a smooth, domed white cabochon, likely made of acrylic, glass, or polished plastic, which mimics the appearance of white milk glass or a large pearl. This center stone is securely set within a polished gold-tone metal frame. The frame displays a dynamic swirl or knot motif, composed of three nested, rope-like concentric gold rings that overlap to create a sense of movement around the central element. The metal has a bright, yellow-gold finish typical of mass-produced costume jewelry from the late 1980s or early 1990s. In terms of condition, the earrings appear well-preserved with a high-luster finish, though minor surface scratches are visible on the gold-tone plating consistent with light wear. No maker's marks are visible from the top view, suggesting they may be department store brand costume jewelry. The construction is solid with the cabochons properly seated, indicating good vintage quality standard for the era.

I have examined the digital representations of these vintage gold-tone and white cabochon swirl stud earrings. The design, featuring a nested rope-style concentric swirl and a high-domed acrylic or glass cabochon, is emblematic of mass-market costume jewelry produced during the late 1980s or early 1990s. The bright yellow-gold finish and absence of visible maker's marks suggest these were likely 'department store' quality pieces, perhaps manufactured for a brand like Monet, Napier, or Liz Claiborne, though without a hallmark, they remain attributed to a generic vintage category. Condition-wise, the earrings appear in good vintage state. There is no evidence of plating loss (pitting or 'greening'), though light micro-scratches are visible under magnification. The cabochons retain their luster and appear securely seated. In the current secondary market, demand for non-designer costume jewelry remains steady but modest. Comparable sets typically retail on platforms like Etsy or eBay for under $50, as these items are valued more for their aesthetic 'retro' appeal than for material rarity or designer provenance. Important Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on visual photographic evidence. I cannot definitively verify the base metal composition or the specific material of the cabochons without a physical 'touch' test. An in-person inspection would be required to check for hallmarks on the earring posts or butterfly backs, which could potentially elevate the value if a high-end designer name is discovered. Scientific testing (such as a gold acid test) would be necessary to rule out structural gold-fill, though the visual characteristics strongly indicate standard gold plating.