Contemporary White Gold Stud Earring Back
Earring Component (Butterfly Back) · White Gold, likely rhodium-plated for high-luster silver-white finish.
Purity: Likely 14K (58.5%) or 10K (41.7%) gold; often mixed with nickel or palladium. The piece is too blurry to confirm solid vs plated status.
Type
Earring Component (Butterfly Back)
Purity
Likely 14K (58.5%) or 10K (41.7%) gold; often mixed with nickel or palladium. The piece is too blurry to confirm solid vs plated status.
Gold Type
White Gold, likely rhodium-plated for high-luster silver-white finish.
Weight
0.1 to 0.3 grams; highly negligible weight individually, typically valued within the weight of the full earring set.
Description
A single white gold butterfly-style earring back used to secure a stud or drop earring to the ear. It features a dual-lobed tension design that grips the earring post.
Key Features
Double-scroll tension design; sleek white gold finish; utilitarian jewelry finding.
Color & Finish
High-polish silver-white finish with potential surface abrasions. Lacks the warm undertone of unplated white gold.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None clearly visible in image; typically found on the flat surface of the butterfly 'wings' or the center cylinder.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 4mm to 5mm in diameter; standard size for universal earring posts.
Gemstones & Inlays
None present on this component.
Clasp & Closure
Butterfly / Friction nut tension closure designed to slide onto a notched earring post.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; circular tension-based structural design.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped and formed from sheet metal; industrial-grade finishing with standard mass-production soldering.
Authentication Indicators
Color profile consistent with white gold findings; however, the lack of sharp hallmarks and image quality raises red flags for silver-toned base metals.
Origin & Maker
Unknown; likely mass-manufactured by a findings supplier (e.g., Stuller or Hoover & Strong).
Era & Period
Contemporary (Late 20th Century - Present); a standard mass-produced industrial jewelry component.
Age Estimate
Modern production, likely 0-20 years old based on commonality of the design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the modern commoditization of jewelry components, moving from hand-crafted locks to standardized mechanical findings.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; shows significant blurring, possible tarnish, or surface wear. Structural integrity appears intact but tension may be loose.
Value Estimate
Primarily melt value which is approximately $5-$15 USD depending on purity; retail replacement for a single back is usually $10-$30.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; check tension periodically by gently squeezing the scrolls together.
Similar Items
Sterling silver earring backs, surgical steel backs, or silicone 'bullet' backs.
Interesting Facts
Low-karat gold is often preferred for these 'findings' because it is harder and more durable for repeated mechanical tension than 24K gold.