Vintage Citrine-Tone Glass and Faux Pearl Drop Earrings
Unbranded (Likely Boutique or High-Street Costume Jewelry) · Jewelry & Watches > Earrings
Era / Decade
Late 1980s to Early 1990s based on the butterfly clutch backs, gold-tone plating, and the 'pitted' or textured faux pearl design common in the era.
Material
Gold-tone base metal (likely brass), amber/citrine-colored faceted glass stones, and imitation plastic pearls with a textured finish. Not real gold or genuine gemstones.
Condition
Good. Metal shows slight oxidation/dulling of the gold finish. The faux pearl coating is intact but shows minor surface debris. The earring posts appear straight.
Demand Level
Moderate. There is a steady market for vintage costume jewelry, particularly in warm gold tones and pearls, though unbranded pieces take longer to sell than signed pieces like Monet or Trifari.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $5.00, Mid: $12.00, High: $18.00
Estimated Retail Value
$15.00 - $25.00 (comparable contemporary costume jewelry)
Comparable Sales
Similar unbranded 90s drop earrings typically sell for $8–$15 on platforms like eBay and Etsy. Signed pieces of similar style (e.g., Napier) would fetch closer to $25.
Description
Lovely vintage-style dangle earrings featuring a warm amber-colored teardrop glass stone at the post, followed by two tiered faux pearls. The larger bottom pearl features a unique textured 'dimpled' finish that adds a vintage character. Perfect for everyday wear or a modest evening look. Includes original butterfly backings.
Key Features
Warm autumnal color palette, trending 'vintage' aesthetic, lightweight design, tiered drop style which is currently popular for wedding guests or office wear.
Authenticity Indicators
Moderate confidence. There are no maker's marks or metal purity stamps (like 14K or .925). The assembly uses standard jump rings and glue-in settings common in mass-produced vintage costume jewelry.
Flaws to Note
Minor tarnish on the gold-tone metal. The textures on the larger pearl are part of the design but can sometimes gather dirt, requiring a gentle cleaning with a soft cloth.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Depop or Etsy (if marketed as 'Vintage'). Poshmark or Mercari as an 'Add-on' item. Small items like this are excellent for 'bundling' to save on shipping for the buyer.
Selling Tips
Clean the metal with a dry microfiber cloth before photographing. Use a macro lens or 'Portrait' mode to capture the facets of the amber glass and the texture of the pearls. Mention 'Lightweight' and 'Classic' in the title. Use keywords like 'Dark Academia', 'Grandmacore', and 'Vintage Aesthetic'.