Yellow Gold Plated Floral Drop Earring
Earring (Long Drop/Chandelier Style) · Yellow Gold finish; tone suggests a high-copper alloy plating for a rich, warm saturation
Purity: Gold-plated (likely over base metal or pewter); no karat marks visible
Type
Earring (Long Drop/Chandelier Style)
Purity
Gold-plated (likely over base metal or pewter); no karat marks visible
Gold Type
Yellow Gold finish; tone suggests a high-copper alloy plating for a rich, warm saturation
Weight
12-18 grams (estimated for the pair); characteristic lightness for cast costume jewelry
Description
A bold, statement-sized drop earring featuring three articulated floral or leaf-like sections. The back reveals a heavy stippled texture common in costume jewelry for weight reduction and aesthetic appeal. Large clear faux-gemstones dominate the front, aimed at a high-glamour evening look.
Key Features
Tri-level articulation; stippled 'orange-peel' reverse texture; oversized floral motifs
Color & Finish
Vivid deep yellow; textured ' Florentine' or 'stippled' pebbled back finish with polished highlights
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible stamps or hallmarks; typical for mass-produced fashion or costume jewelry
Dimensions Estimate
Length: approx. 3.0 inches (76mm); Width: 0.75 inches at widest jump ring
Gemstones & Inlays
Faceted glass or resin cabochons (likely clear or white) set in closed-back foil-style settings
Clasp & Closure
Post and butterfly back (post visible at top); single-hinge jump ring connectors between segments
Chain & Links
Articulated three-tier vertical link construction with open-loop floral motifs
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial centrifugal casting; visible mold lines on the jump ring loops; plating applied via electro-bath
Authentication Indicators
Red flags for solid gold: rough casting lines, lack of purity stamps, and visible unevenness in plating thickness/color
Origin & Maker
Unknown; likely high-volume manufacturing (offshore/mass market)
Era & Period
Contemporary High-Street Fashion (2010s-present) mimicking 1980s Bold Gold aesthetic
Age Estimate
Produced within the last 5-10 years
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Statement Jewelry' movement of the 21st century, making luxury runway looks accessible at lower price points.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; noticeable surface wear on the plating edges and significant pitting typical of base-metal casting
Value Estimate
Melt Value: $0.00 (non-precious); Secondary market value: $5 - $20 USD as costume jewelry
Care & Maintenance
Avoid all liquids; clean with a dry microfiber cloth only. Gold plating is thin and can flake if exposed to perfumes or hairspray.
Similar Items
Compared to 18K solid gold Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra drops, which would have crisp serial numbers and hallmarked clasps.
Interesting Facts
The 'stippled' back texture is often used in costume jewelry to hide casting imperfections and air bubbles that occur during mass production.