Vintage Faux Pearl Waterfall Chandelier Clip-On / Screw-Back Earrings
Japan (Stamped) · Jewelry & Watches > Vintage Costume Jewelry
Era / Decade
1950s-1960s (Mid-Century); indicated by the 'Japan' stamp, screw-back mechanism, and cluster chandelier style typical of post-WWII exports.
Material
Faux pearls (glass or plastic core with nacre coating), silver-tone pot metal or base metal, and steel screw-back mechanical components.
Condition
Fair to Good. There is visible 'peeling' and loss of the iridescent coating on several pearls, and the metal shows significant patina and grime consistent with age.
Demand Level
Moderate. There is a steady market for 1950s bridal-style jewelry and 'Japan' marked costume pieces, though condition is the primary limiting factor.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$12.00 - $25.00 (low range due to condition issues; mid-range if cleaned and marketed as bridal/retro).
Estimated Retail Value
$5.00 - $10.00 (adjusted for inflation, these were affordable mass-market imports when originally sold).
Comparable Sales
Similar 'Japan' stamped faux pearl clusters typically sell for $15-$20 on Etsy. Pristine sets can reach $35, but due to the visible peeling, a quick-flip price of $12-15 is more realistic.
Description
Stunning mid-century vintage chandelier earrings featuring cascading swags of faux pearls. These 'waterfall' style earrings utilize a comfortable screw-back mechanism, common in the 1950s. Stamped 'JAPAN' on the reverse, these represents the classic era of mid-century costume jewelry exports. Approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length with a tiered cluster design that provides excellent movement.
Key Features
Mid-century 'Japan' marked collectible; highly desirable 'Waterfall' or 'Chandelier' silhouette; tiered construction offers great movement; classic bridal or formal aesthetic.
Authenticity Indicators
Authentic vintage; 'JAPAN' stamp is clearly visible on the screw-back plate which was the standard marking for Japanese exports from 1945 through the 1960s. High confidence.
Flaws to Note
Significant 'pearl' nacre loss/peeling on several beads (permanent); oxidation/darkening of the metal backing; one pearl appears to be slightly yellowed compared to others.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (best for vintage), eBay (good for collectors), or Poshmark. Use Etsy if you have other vintage accessories to build a curated shop look.
Selling Tips
Clean the metal gently with a soft cloth but avoid harsh chemicals on the pearls as it will worsen the peeling. Use the keywords 'Mid-Century', 'Wedding', 'Rockabilly', and 'Waterfall Chandelier'. Photograph against a dark velvet background to make the cream pearls pop.