Gold-Plated Costume Fashion Dangle Earring with Blue and White Crystals
Earrings (Chandelier/Drop style) · Yellow Gold finish; achieved through electroplating over a base metal alloy like brass or zinc.
Purity: Gold-plated (EP/GP); likely less than 0.1% gold content by weight. This is fashion jewelry rather than solid gold.
Type
Earrings (Chandelier/Drop style)
Purity
Gold-plated (EP/GP); likely less than 0.1% gold content by weight. This is fashion jewelry rather than solid gold.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold finish; achieved through electroplating over a base metal alloy like brass or zinc.
Weight
8 to 12 grams (total weight including non-metallic stones). The metal itself is likely a lightweight base metal.
Description
A bold, cascading chandelier drop earring featuring seven pear-shaped faux-sapphire stones set against a high-polish gold-tone frame. Interspersed open-work loops are encrusted with white rhinestones to provide contrast and light-catching sparkle.
Key Features
Articulated 'waterfall' design, large pear-cut focal stones, and an open-work gold-tone lattice decorated with pavé-set crystals.
Color & Finish
Vibrantly bright yellow polished finish; consistent with flash-plating. Surface shows typical high-shine costume jewelry luster.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image. Mass-produced fashion jewelry often lacks stamps, or may feature a simple 'CHINA' or brand tag in the backing.
Dimensions Estimate
Length: ~2.5 to 3 inches (65-75mm); Width: ~0.75 inches (20mm). Oversized statement scale.
Gemstones & Inlays
Pear-cut cobalt blue faceted glass or resin stones; accented by small round brilliant-cut colorless glass crystals (rhinestones) in pave-style settings.
Clasp & Closure
Likely a post with a butterfly (friction) back or a lever-back mechanism common for heavy drop earrings.
Chain & Links
N/A; The structure uses rigid cast links joined by small jump rings to allow for articulating 'dangle' movement.
Craftsmanship Details
Cast metal construction; stones are secured with adhesive (foil-backed glass). Pave settings are molded rather than hand-set by a jeweler.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags for solid gold: The 'safety yellow' hue is too uniform; the stones are glued-in rather than prong-set; the absence of hallmarks on a piece this large suggests a base metal construction.
Origin & Maker
Likely mass-manufactured in East Asia (China or Vietnam). Unsigned, generic fashion brand characteristic.
Era & Period
Contemporary (2010s-present); reflects modern 'statement jewelry' trends found in fast-fashion and department stores.
Age Estimate
Likely produced within the last 5-10 years based on stone cut styles and casting techniques.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Statement Earring' trend where jewelry is used as a primary focal point of an outfit to convey luxury and glamour at an accessible price point.
Condition Notes
Good; showing minor surface scratches on stones. Gold plating appears intact without significant 'brassing' or oxidation common in older pieces.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD. Value is based entirely on aesthetic appeal and retail fashion pricing; it has negligible gold 'melt' value.
Care & Maintenance
Keep away from water, perfumes, and hairspray to prevent peeling of the gold plating. Clean with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners.
Similar Items
Compared to solid 18K sapphire earrings, these provide a similar aesthetic but lack intrinsic metal value. Similar to brands like J.Crew, BaubleBar, or Zara.
Interesting Facts
Costume jewelry of this style rose to prominence in the mid-20th century as 'cocktail jewelry,' allowing people to wear elaborate designs that would be prohibitively heavy if made of solid 24K gold.