Pair of Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings

This item is a pair of classic pearl stud earrings. Each earring features a spherical pearl with a soft, creamy white luster and subtle iridescent overtones, likely indicating they are cultured freshwater or Akoya pearls. The pearls appear to be approximately 6mm to 7mm in diameter. They are mounted on what appears to be yellow-gold toned metal posts, featuring standard tension-back butterfly clutches (ear nuts). The construction is a traditional post-and-nut design, where the pearl is drilled and set onto a metal peg with adhesive. Observing the condition, there is noticeable oxidation or greenish patina on the metal area where the post meets the butterfly back, suggesting the base metal may be a gold-plated alloy or brass rather than high-purity solid gold. The pearls themselves show a relatively smooth surface, though slight natural surface irregularities are visible under close inspection. The craftsmanship is utilitarian and consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century mass-market jewelry. No visible maker’s marks or hallmarks are identifiable from this angle. Their timeless, minimalist style makes them a staple piece of fine or semi-fine jewelry suitable for both casual and formal attire.

Based on my visual examination of these pearl stud earrings, they appear to be mid-level cultured pearls, likely freshwater or lower-grade Akoya, ranging between 6mm and 7mm in diameter. The pearls exhibit a pleasing creamy white luster with subtle iridescence, which is desirable, but the surface reveals minor irregularities typical of commercial-grade gems. Of significant concern regarding value is the condition of the findings. I observed distinct oxidation and greenish verdigris at the junction of the post and the butterfly clutch. This patina strongly suggests the metal is a gold-plated base alloy (likely brass) rather than solid 14k or 18k gold, placing this pair firmly in the costume or semi-fine jewelry category rather than fine jewelry. The market for vintage costume pearl studs is saturated, with value driven primarily by the visual appeal of the pearls themselves rather than intrinsic metal value. Similar pairs from the mid-to-late 20th century typically retail in the low double digits. The absence of visible maker's marks further limits their collectibility as a signed piece. Limitations of this appraisal are significant without physical inspection. I cannot definitively confirm if the pearls are nacreous (cultured) or simulated (glass/plastic) without a 'tooth test' or magnification of the drill hole, though the luster suggests cultured. Additionally, acid testing would be required to confirm the metal content beneath the plating. If these were determined to be solid gold posts with high-luster Akoya pearls, the valuation would increase to the $150-$250 range; however, given the visible corrosion, the current valuation reflects their status as vintage costume jewelry.