14K Yellow Gold Multicolored Pastel Plique-à-jour Enamel Flower Earring
Earrings (Studs) · Yellow Gold alloy, featuring a bright, warm undertone typical of mid-karat gold balanced with copper and silver.
Purity: 14K / 585 fineness (58.3% pure gold). Appears to be solid 14K construction with gold bezel framing.
Type
Earrings (Studs)
Purity
14K / 585 fineness (58.3% pure gold). Appears to be solid 14K construction with gold bezel framing.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold alloy, featuring a bright, warm undertone typical of mid-karat gold balanced with copper and silver.
Weight
0.8 - 1.5 grams for a single piece; approximately 2.0 - 3.0 grams for a pair. Lightweight design for ear comfort.
Description
An elegant and whimsical floral stud earring, featuring six delicate marquise-shaped petals. Each petal is filled with a translucent, stained-glass style enamel in alternating shades of soft peach and cool aqua, separated by thin gold partitions. A central polished gold bead anchor the design, creating a radiant, organic aesthetic reminiscent of a jasmine or starflower bloom.
Key Features
Plique-à-jour-like translucency without backings, allowing light to pass through the pastel enamel; precision marquise-cut partitions; high-polish center bead.
Color & Finish
High-polish yellow gold finish on the bezel and central bead. The enamel sections feature a translucent, frosted texture in seafoam green and pale peach.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on the butterfly back or post: '14K' or '585'. No marks visible from the front perspective.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 10mm to 12mm in diameter. Petite/Standard stud size for everyday wear or second piercings.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones; features translucent glass enamel (Plique-à-jour style) in six marquise-shaped petals and a central gold seed bead.
Clasp & Closure
Presumed post with butterfly/friction back or screw back for security. The central bead suggests a sturdy through-post construction.
Chain & Links
N/A - Rigid stud construction. The edges are finished with a smooth, rounded bezel to secure the enamel petals.
Craftsmanship Details
Cast gold frame with cold-enamel or kiln-fired translucent glass filling. The symmetry is precise with clean boundaries between the gold and the inlay.
Authentication Indicators
The color saturation of the 14K gold bezel is consistent with professional alloy standards. High-quality enamel application shows no separation from the metal walls.
Origin & Maker
Likely commercial fine jewelry manufacturer (Italy or USA). No specific brand mark visible, but finish is consistent with mid-market boutique jewelry.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Modern Era with Retro influences (late 20th century to present). Stylistic indicators: playful pastel palette and cast floral shape.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990s - 2010s. The color palette of the enamel and the bezel-setting technique are indicative of late 20th-century fashion jewelry.
Cultural Significance
Floral motifs in jewelry have symbolized growth and femininity across cultures for centuries, with pastel variations surging in popularity during the spring-inspired fashion movements of the 1990s.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. Enamel shows no visible cracking or crazing; gold surface has minor micro-scratches consistent with light handling. Gold-to-enamel bond is intact.
Value Estimate
Melt value: $50-$80; Retail value: $150-$275 per pair. Value is primarily in the artistic enamel application and the 14K gold weight secondary.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft damp cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, or chemicals, as high heat or vibration can crack the fragile enamel inlay.
Similar Items
Tiffany & Co. enamel floral motifs (typically more expensive/designer premium) or 14K gemstone flower studs using peridot and morganite stones.
Interesting Facts
The technique used for the petals, Plique-à-jour (French for 'letting in daylight'), was popularized during the Art Nouveau period and is often called 'stained glass in miniature'.