Vintage-Style Low-Karat or Gold-Plated White Bead Stud Earring
Earrings (Stud) · Yellow Gold (Pale/Aged); shows significant tarnish and potential plating wear revealing base metal (brass/copper) greenish tones beneath the surface.
Purity: Indeterminate based on visual alone; appears to be 10K, gold-plated, or costume metal. No hallmarks are visible on the setting. If gold, likely low karat (approx. 41.7% purity) or gold-filled.
Type
Earrings (Stud)
Purity
Indeterminate based on visual alone; appears to be 10K, gold-plated, or costume metal. No hallmarks are visible on the setting. If gold, likely low karat (approx. 41.7% purity) or gold-filled.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Pale/Aged); shows significant tarnish and potential plating wear revealing base metal (brass/copper) greenish tones beneath the surface.
Weight
0.5 - 1.0 grams per earring. The item is lightweight, consistent with a small decorative stud fitting.
Description
A classic bezel-set stud earring featuring a white domed cabochon surrounded by a decorative rope or beaded gold-tone border. The piece displays characteristic vintage wear that suggests a base metal alloy with a gold wash or thin gold coating.
Key Features
Rope-twist bezel, opaque white dome, petite scale, and the use of a plastic comfort clutch for sensitive ears.
Color & Finish
Dull yellow with heavy oxidation (verdigris/green tarnish). Finish appears to have been high polish originally but is now significantly aged with a dark patina in the recessed rope details.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks visible in provided image. Usually found on the earring post or the butterfly back (not seen here, as a plastic disc clutch is currently in use).
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter of approximately 6mm - 8mm for the stud head. Typical "petite" category for daily wear.
Gemstones & Inlays
Single white opaque cabochon; likely a synthetic bead, plastic, white glass, or lower-quality mother-of-pearl. It is set in a serrated bezel (milgrain or rope-style border).
Clasp & Closure
Push-back post with a temporary plastic disc / comfort clutch. The original metal butterfly back is missing.
Chain & Links
N/A; Solid stud post construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Cast metal construction with a glued-in center bead. Typical mass-market finishing with some irregularities in the rope-border alignment.
Authentication Indicators
Red Flag: Green oxidation suggests high copper content, typical of brass or gold-plated base metals rather than solid gold. Lack of visible hallmark on the setting further points to costume jewelry.
Origin & Maker
Mass-produced/Unbranded. Common in department store jewelry or boutique costume collections.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (1970s-1990s) mimicking earlier Victorian or Edwardian rope-trim styles.
Age Estimate
Likely circa 1980-2000 based on the bezel design and the specific type of oxidation/wear seen on the metal.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury during the late 20th century where 'gold-look' classic jewelry became a staple for professional and casual attire.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant oxidation (green verdigris) visible near the post base and bezel. Surface grime and dulling of the gold finish.
Value Estimate
$1 - $5 (Resale/Costume value). Negligible melt value as the item does not appear to be solid gold. Value is primarily decorative/sentimental.
Care & Maintenance
Gently clean with a soft dry cloth. Avoid moisture and chemicals which will accelerate the green oxidation. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners as it may loosen the glued-in center bead.
Similar Items
14K Gold Mother of Pearl Studs (would lack the green oxidation), Chanel-style faux pearl studs, or 10K Yellow Gold Coral Studs.
Interesting Facts
The 'rope' border style was popularized in the 19th century and has been revitalized in every decade since to add texture to simple gold settings.