AI Appraisal Estimate

This pair of stud earrings features a decorative square-shaped filigree design crafted from sterling silver with a heavy antique-style patina. Each earring is set with five faceted purple gemstones, likely amethysts or high-quality cubic zirconia, arranged in a cruciform or floral pattern. The center of each earring houses a round-brilliant cut stone, surrounded by four pear-cut (teardrop) stones pointing outward toward the corners. The metalwork is characterized by intricate scrollwork and beaded 'milgrain' accents along the edges and prongs, suggesting a design influenced by the Art Deco or Edwardian revival periods. The silver shows significant oxidation, particularly in the recessed areas of the filigree, which adds depth to the design but may indicate age or a deliberate 'antique' finish. While no maker's marks are visible from the front view, the craftsmanship displays consistent prong settings and symmetrical scrollwork. The stones appear to be securely set, though slight surface abrasions may be present upon microscopic inspection. The overall size appears to be approximately 10-12mm in diameter, making them substantial for everyday wear or formal vintage styling.

I have conducted a visual examination of the vintage-style sterling silver and amethyst filigree stud earrings. The earrings measure approximately 10-12mm and feature a complex cruciform arrangement of one round and four pear-cut amethysts. The filigree work is characteristic of the Art Deco revival style, utilizing milgrain edging and heavy oxidation to simulate an antique patina. The stones exhibit a saturated purple hue consistent with natural amethyst, though precision testing is required to rule out lab-grown spinel or high-quality glass. The metalwork shows no immediate signs of casting flaws, suggesting a higher quality of craftsmanship. The market for Art Deco revival jewelry remains stable, particularly for 'statement' studs of this size. Comparables for sterling silver filigree earrings set with semi-precious stones typically sell in the $100 to $200 range at retail boutiques. The value is driven primarily by the aesthetic appeal and the labor-intensive look of the silver work rather than the intrinsic value of the gemstones, which are common. Critically, a definitive appraisal is limited by the digital nature of this inspection. I cannot verify the '925' purity of the silver or confirm if the stones are natural or synthetic without a jeweler's loupe and thermal conductivity testing. Furthermore, a physical inspection is necessary to check for 'maker's marks' on the posts or scroll backs, which could significantly increase the value if linked to a known artisan or studio like Theodor Fahrner or a notable Southwestern smith. To finalize this valuation, I recommend an in-person acid test for metal purity and a Refractive Index (RI) test for stone identification.