Vintage-Style Gold-Tone Fashion Pendulum Earring
Earrings (Drop/Dangle) · Pale Yellow Gold-tone plating over a likely pewter or zinc-based alloy.
Purity: None (Gold-toned Base Metal). This item lacks the color saturation of solid gold and shows surface wear consistent with plating or a base metal alloy.
Type
Earrings (Drop/Dangle)
Purity
None (Gold-toned Base Metal). This item lacks the color saturation of solid gold and shows surface wear consistent with plating or a base metal alloy.
Gold Type
Pale Yellow Gold-tone plating over a likely pewter or zinc-based alloy.
Weight
4-6 grams per earring. The bulk suggests a denser base metal rather than the high specific gravity of solid gold.
Description
A costume fashion earring featuring an oval pendant with a stylized 'hourglass' or 'double moon' central motif. The piece utilizes a vertical textured finish to provide visual depth, contrasted by a smooth raised border and decorative bead-like indentations along the sides.
Key Features
Heavy vertical texturing, cast 'pseudo-gemstone' accents, and a distinct two-compartment oval aesthetic.
Color & Finish
Pale, brassy yellow with a "bark" or vertical brushed texture on the main panels. The finish shows signs of oxidation and plating loss on the edges.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks or purity stamps visible on the reverse or the wire. The absence of stamps (e.g., 14K, 585) is a strong indicator of costume jewelry.
Dimensions Estimate
Total length approximately 1.5 inches; width of the oval pendant approximately 0.75 inches.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The item features decorative cast indentations intended to mimic a pavé setting or marcasite, but no actual stones are present.
Clasp & Closure
Fishhook (Kidney wire) style with a small spring-coil decorative element at the base of the wire.
Chain & Links
N/A. Single wire connection to a cast bail.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced cast piece with visible mold lines and uneven surface finishing. The reverse shows typical 'bark' texture used to hide casting imperfections.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags for authentic gold include the 'pitted' texture of the casting, the lack of hallmarks, and the grayish-base metal showing through the gold-colored surface.
Origin & Maker
Unknown mass-market manufacturer, likely manufactured in East Asia or for a North American department store brand.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century Contemporary (c. 1980s-1990s) mimicking Art Deco geometric motifs.
Age Estimate
Circa 1985-2005 based on the style of the fishhook and the casting quality of the reverse.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'statement jewelry' trend of the late 20th century where large, bold designs were prioritized over intrinsic metal value.
Condition Notes
Fair. Significant pitting, surface oxidation, and wear to the gold-tone plating are visible, particularly in the recessed areas and along the rim.
Value Estimate
$2 - $10 (Nominal fashion value). The item has no melt/gold value and is priced solely as a pre-owned accessory.
Care & Maintenance
Keep away from moisture, perfumes, and lotions which will accelerate plating loss. Clean with a dry, soft cloth only.
Similar Items
Monet or Trifari vintage gold-tone earrings; these brands often have higher quality plating and signed maker marks on the reverse.
Interesting Facts
Costume jewelry of this era often used 'electroplating,' where a very thin layer of gold was applied via electric current to a cheaper base metal to mimic the look of luxury items.