Preliminary identification

Mid-Century Filigree Rosette Screw-Back Rhinestone Earrings, c. 1950s

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

A charming pair of mid-century floral rosette clip/screw-back earrings featuring openwork gold-tone filigree gallery backs. The tiered design centers a deep amethyst-purple faceted glass rhinestone surrounded by a halo of pale lavender stones, perfectly capturing 1950s evening elegance.

Story

Post-war 1950s fashion demanded high-wattage glamour without pierced ears. Women twisted screw-back earrings like these onto their lobes before heading out, pairing affordable Austrian crystal sparkle with Dior-inspired silhouettes.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, these earrings originate from the booming mid-century costume jewelry boom centered around Providence, Rhode Island, and post-war West Germany. Unbranded manufacturers produced pieces directly for department stores and local boutiques, often using identical high-quality stamped brass components as major fashion houses.

Condition & Value

Very good vintage condition. All glass rhinestones are present, bright, and securely prong-set with no obvious 'dead' or discolored foils. The gold-tone plating shows minimal plating loss, and the screw mechanisms are fully functional. Excellent wearable condition.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.