14K Yellow Gold Butterfly Earring Back
Earrings - Butterfly Back / Clutch · Yellow Gold (classic warm tone with standard copper-silver alloy)
Purity: 14K (585 fineness, 58.3% pure gold content)
Type
Earrings - Butterfly Back / Clutch
Purity
14K (585 fineness, 58.3% pure gold content)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (classic warm tone with standard copper-silver alloy)
Weight
Under 0.2 grams (fractional weight typical for small standard earring nuts)
Description
A standard gold butterfly earring back, also known as a clutch or scroll, designed to securely hold a post earring in place. Featuring two curved, textured-edge wings that provide a comfortable grip for fingers, this tiny hardware component is essential for daily-wear stud earrings.
Key Features
Dual curved tension-locking wings, central spring-tension hole for secure post retention
Color & Finish
Warm yellow gold with a standard polished finish
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not clearly visible in this resolution, but typically stamped with '14K' or '585' on the flat reverse wing surface if solid gold
Dimensions Estimate
Standard petite size, approximately 4mm to 5mm across the wings
Gemstones & Inlays
None present
Clasp & Closure
Friction-fit butterfly back (scroll back / clutch) designed to secure post-style earrings
Chain & Links
Not applicable; features dual curved tension wings and a central spring tube aperture
Craftsmanship Details
Stamped sheet metal construction with folded or punched central barrel elements to create internal friction tension
Authentication Indicators
Standard gold coloration; professional acid testing or XRF spectrometer analysis required to definitively confirm 14K purity due to small size and lack of visible hallmarks in image
Origin & Maker
Unknown mass-market or jewelry manufacturer
Era & Period
Contemporary / Modern (ubiquitous design used across the 20th and 21st centuries)
Age Estimate
Difficult to pinpoint precisely due to timeless utilitarian design, likely late 20th to early 21st century
Cultural Significance
A ubiquitous modern jewelry accessory that ensures the safety and wearability of pierced earrings across diverse global cultures.
Condition Notes
Appears generally intact from the top-down perspective, though structural tension and grip strength can only be assessed via physical handling. Grade: Good/Functional.
Value Estimate
Primarily valued near melt value due to very low weight, supplemented by a modest retail markup for utility as replacement jewelry findings
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soapy water and a soft brush; periodically check wing tension to ensure secure fit on earring posts
Similar Items
Sterling silver butterfly backs, locking earring backs (such as La Pousette or Disc clutches), and silicone ear nuts
Interesting Facts
Despite their small size, large quantities of lost earring backs contribute significantly to scrap gold recovery collections worldwide.