Sterling Silver Lapis Lazuli Drop Fringe Earrings

This is a pair of sterling silver drop earrings, each featuring a teardrop-shaped inlay of what appears to be lapis lazuli. The overall design has a bohemian or artisan aesthetic, possibly with Native American or Southwestern influence. Each earring is suspended from a standard shepherd's hook ear wire, which appears to be made of sterling silver, evidenced by its color and the given context. The main body of each earring consists of an elongated, open, teardrop-shaped frame from which the inlaid gemstone is suspended. Below the gemstone, a fringe of multiple sterling silver strands, varying slightly in length and capped with small, flattened silver elements, hangs freely. The silver itself exhibits a light patina, consistent with aged sterling silver, but no significant tarnish or damage is immediately apparent. The visible texture of the blue stone suggests it is either a solid piece of lapis lazuli with characteristic pyrite flecks or a reconstituted stone. The craftsmanship appears to be good, with solders that are neat and the overall structure symmetrical. The style suggests an age dating from the mid-20th century to contemporary, likely handmade or studio-produced. The pen visible in the image provides a sense of scale, indicating these are medium-to-large sized drop earrings.

Upon visual examination of the provided images, I have assessed this pair of sterling silver drop fringe earrings. The design features teardrop-shaped lapis lazuli inlays within an open silver frame, accented with a decorative fringe. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, consistent with artisan or studio-produced pieces, possibly with a Southwestern or Native American aesthetic. The silver exhibits a light, even patina, which is common for sterling and suggests some age without indicating damage. The overall condition appears to be very good, with no visible breaks or significant wear. The value is primarily determined by the sterling silver content, the quality of the lapis lazuli, and the desirability of the design. The market for well-made, bohemian-style sterling silver jewelry is consistently strong. Comparable artisan-made sterling and lapis earrings of this size and complexity typically sell in the secondary market for between $75 and $150. However, this appraisal is limited by the nature of a photographic examination. Without physical inspection, I cannot confirm the sterling silver content with an acid test, nor can I definitively identify the stone as natural, high-grade lapis lazuli versus a lower-grade composite or imitation. An in-person examination would be required to test the metal purity, assess the stone's quality under magnification, and look for any maker's marks or hallmarks that would significantly impact the value and confirm its origin.