Preliminary identification

Mid-Century Emerald Glass Sunburst Clip-On Earrings

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A striking pair of gold-tone clip-on earrings featuring a dramatic sunburst or 'fan' arrangement of emerald-green navette-cut glass stones. The central focal point is a large Aurora Borealis (AB) coated chaton rhinestone, surrounded by a halo of smaller clear crystals.

Story

Post-war fashion demanded high-octane glamour for the cocktail hour. These earrings use the 'Aurora Borealis' finish, a 1955 Swarovski innovation that mimics the Northern Lights. They were designed to catch the light of a ballroom.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, the construction is consistent with high-quality costume jewelry houses of the era like Kramer or Weiss. These makers specialized in 'statement' pieces that allowed women to emulate the look of fine emeralds and diamonds without the vault-security price tag.

Condition & Value

The gold-tone plating appears bright with minimal 'greening' or oxidation. All stones appear present and the clips seem tight. Excellent vintage condition. Value is driven by the popular emerald-green color and the presence of the AB finish.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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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.