Gold-Plated Oval Black Onyx or Glass Cabochon Costume Stud/Earring
Earring / Costume Jewelry Stud · Yellow Gold tone. The bright, slightly brassy hue suggests a decorative gold finish over a non-gold alloy like brass or copper.
Purity: Estimated Gold-Plated (Electroplated) over base metal. No visible gold fineness stamps suggest it is not solid gold; likely a surface layer under 1 micron thick.
Type
Earring / Costume Jewelry Stud
Purity
Estimated Gold-Plated (Electroplated) over base metal. No visible gold fineness stamps suggest it is not solid gold; likely a surface layer under 1 micron thick.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold tone. The bright, slightly brassy hue suggests a decorative gold finish over a non-gold alloy like brass or copper.
Weight
1.5 to 3.0 grams. The item appears lightweight, consistent with costume jewelry construction rather than solid high-karat gold.
Description
This is a classic oval-shaped costume earring featuring a central black faux-onyx cabochon. The center stone is framed by a glittering halo of small white rhinestones, all set within a gold-toned metal frame. It is designed to mimic the appearance of fine jewelry at an accessible fashion price point, suitable for evening wear or professional attire.
Key Features
The striking contrast between the dark black center cabochon and the white rhinestone halo, set against a classic gold-toned finish.
Color & Finish
High-polish yellow gold finish. The surface appears reflective and bright, typical of commercial electroplating rather than hand-burnished solid gold.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image. Absence of quality marks like 14K, 18K, or 585/750 strongly indicates costumer/fashion jewelry rather than fine jewelry.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 15mm in length and 12mm in width. A standard size for a statement stud earring.
Gemstones & Inlays
Single oval black cabochon (likely glass, plastic, or dyed onyx) surrounded by white crystal or glass chaton rhinestones in a halo setting.
Clasp & Closure
Unseen, but likely a butterfly friction back or screw-back post. The rigid structure suggests a stud-style mounting.
Chain & Links
Non-chain item. The stone mounting is a simple cast bezel with pave-style imitation settings for the surrounding stones.
Craftsmanship Details
Likely a centrifugal cast base with glued-in stones. The setting 'prongs' for the rhinestones are part of the mold rather than hand-set, typical of mass-production fashion accessories.
Authentication Indicators
Red Flags: Absence of hallmarks; visible casting seam on the outer edge; high brassy luster. It lacks the soft, deep glow of 18K+ gold. A magnet test would likely reveal a magnetic base metal core.
Origin & Maker
Mass-produced / Unbranded. Likely manufactured in China or East Asia for the decorative fashion market.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Late 20th Century. Stylistically mimics Mid-Century 'Bold Gold' or Victorian Revival common in the 1980s and 1990s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2010. The condition and setting style are consistent with recent mass-market manufacturing techniques.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'democratization of luxury,' where traditional fine jewelry aesthetics (like those found in Victorian mourning jewelry) were adapted into affordable fashion accessories for the working woman.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is no visible 'greening' or significant wear through the plating on the front, though the rhinestone brilliance may be slightly dimmed by surface oils. Grade: Very Good (Fashion).
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. The value is strictly decorative/fashion-based; it holds negligible melt or scrap value as it contains no significant gold content.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use jewelry cleaners or ultrasonics as they may dissolve the glue holding the rhinestones. Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth. Avoid contact with perfumes and hairspray which strip gold plating.
Similar Items
Similar to vintage Monet or Trifari fashion pieces; however, those usually include a brand hallmark. Solid gold versions would likely use black jade or real onyx and GH/VS diamonds.
Interesting Facts
Black and gold combinations became iconic in the 1980s through designers like Chanel, leading to a massive wave of high-quality and mass-market costume jewelry replicating this 'power' look.