Is this a pair of 1940/50s earrings? What do I look for when sourcing earrings from that era?
- Thread starter Gwendolyn
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Vintorious
VFG Member
These look like 1950s' earrings to me. Clues about the age are in the closures, materials, and style, all of which can be crystal clear or confusing, depending on what combination you have. Screw backs tend to predominate in the 1940s, but clips were in use then as well. Clips aren't always a dead cert. since they are still in use; screw backs, less so. Sometimes the patent number for the fastenings are stamped on the earrings, so you can easily look up when they were first used. Also note that 'first used' doesn't mean 'definitely that old:' just 'not made earlier.' Some materials, like aurora borealis finished rhinestones, weren't around before a certain decade. Also, some styles predominate in fixed timeframes, and some cycle through different decades. Maker stamps are also a great way to date items, especially if the maker was only in business for a short time. The more you handle vintage items, the more experience you get with understanding how old things are. Read as much as you can find about all of it! There is a lot to learn, and we are all of us continuing to learn. I personally love the learning part of collecting even more than the acquisition part...well...depending on the item, that is. 
ETA: just wanted to add that fashion magazines and advertisements from that era are a wonderful resource for understanding the styles of the time. If you are collecting, they will help you see trends and pinpoint years better. If you are simply trying to recreate looks, you can get a great "feel" for what works for your preferred decade. Even newer items that are styled to look older can work with true vintage to get the look 'right,' if that's the goal.
ETA: just wanted to add that fashion magazines and advertisements from that era are a wonderful resource for understanding the styles of the time. If you are collecting, they will help you see trends and pinpoint years better. If you are simply trying to recreate looks, you can get a great "feel" for what works for your preferred decade. Even newer items that are styled to look older can work with true vintage to get the look 'right,' if that's the goal.
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I agree with Regina (Vintorious) that the earrings are '50s - they might be late '50s. The prong set stones surrounding the yellow stone are aurora borealis coated rhinestones. That process was introduced in the mid-50s. The design and the type of clip back are '50s not '40s. Do you know if the pale oval yellow stones are plastic or glass?
As Regina mentioned, the best way to tell when jewelry was made is to become familiar with styles from different eras - the materials used, and the type (s) of closure. With earrings you want to look at the design of the clip back . In addition there are some findings that are unique to particular makers so you know who made it and when!
In addition to a number of books on the subject, there are some excellent resources online - and lots of people on the Forums who love the subject. It's a fun journey!
As Regina mentioned, the best way to tell when jewelry was made is to become familiar with styles from different eras - the materials used, and the type (s) of closure. With earrings you want to look at the design of the clip back . In addition there are some findings that are unique to particular makers so you know who made it and when!
In addition to a number of books on the subject, there are some excellent resources online - and lots of people on the Forums who love the subject. It's a fun journey!
Thanks for all the information! I really appreciate it. The seller of the earrings stated that the big stone was a “Yellow Lucite Jelly Belly” although I read somewhere else that in order to be considered a Jelly Belly, it had to be clear and transparent.