Lapis Lazuli and Gold-Tone Bezel Earrings

This pair of earrings features organically shaped, tumbled Lapis Lazuli stones set within ornate gold-tone bezels. The stones exhibit a rich, deep ultramarine blue hue characteristic of high-quality Lapis, with visible flecks of golden pyrite and minor white calcite inclusions throughout. Each stone is unique in its irregular, cabochon-like silhouette, measuring approximately 0.5 to 0.75 inches in height. The metal settings feature a sophisticated beaded or 'granulation' style border, typical of Etruscan Revival or late 20th-century artisan fashion jewelry. The construction suggests a secure bezel-set assembly where the metal is crimped around the natural contours of the stones. The gold-tone finish shows a matte-to-satin patina, with slight darkening in the recessed areas of the beadwork, which adds depth and a vintage aesthetic. There are no visible maker's marks or stamps from this angle, though the craftsmanship indicates a mid-range designer or boutique origins from the 1980s or 1990s. The surface of the Lapis appears polished and smooth, showing overall good condition with no major fractures or chips visible. The natural variations between the left and right stones highlight the authentic mineral quality of the gems used.

I have carefully examined the provided images of this pair of Lapis Lazuli and gold-tone bezel earrings. The stones display a desirable ultramarine saturation with characteristic pyrite inclusions, suggesting genuine mineral origin rather than a synthetic simulant. The granulation-style border is indicative of high-quality fashion jewelry from the 1980s or 1990s, likely produced by a boutique artisan or a mid-range designer brand like Ben-Amun or Kenneth Jay Lane. The condition appears excellent with a pleasing patina; however, because no stamps were visible, I must assume the metal is a base alloy with a gold-tone plating rather than solid karat gold. The current market for vintage 'statement' jewelry remains strong, with a preference for natural semi-precious stones. Comparable sales for unsigned, gold-plated Lapis earrings of this era typically fall between $85 and $200. The organic shapes of these particular tumbles add to their 'one-of-a-kind' appeal, which supports an appraisal toward the higher end of the mid-range spectrum. Several limitations exist in this remote appraisal. I cannot verify the metal purity without an acid scratch test or XRF analysis. If the settings were found to be 18k gold, the value would increase significantly to $600+. Furthermore, I cannot definitively rule out dyed Lapis without a solvent test. To finalize this appraisal, an in-person inspection of the earring backs for maker's marks and a professional jeweler’s test for gold content and stone treatment would be required. Any original packaging or provenance regarding the purchase location could also positively influence the final valuation.