1960s Gold Earrings
These 1960s gold earrings range from mid-century modernist designs to Victorian revival drops, offering distinct period character for everyday wear.
1960s Gold Earrings
When you search for 1960s gold earrings, you encounter a diverse array of pieces spanning mid-century modernism and traditional revival aesthetics. The selection includes drop earrings and studs, frequently incorporating gemstones such as amethyst, garnet, turquoise, and various forms of pearl.
The objects on this page show both 9ct and 18ct gold settings, alongside sterling silver gilt examples. Many items reflect the experimental forms of the decade, while others lean towards Victorian style motifs with shepherds hooks or cluster arrangements.
How they were made
These earrings utilise cast and fabricated gold work, employing 9ct and 18ct yellow and white gold alongside sterling silver gilt. Gemstones including diamonds, amethysts, garnets, and turquoise are secured in settings ranging from traditional claws to modern bezels.
Techniques extend to guilloche enamel over silver and detailed wirework for seed pearl clusters. Fastenings vary from post and clip studs to omega backs and shepherds hooks, tailored to the weight and form of each specific drop or stud earring.
1960s Gold Earrings Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 1960s gold earrings among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Listings feature multiple variations of pearl, including cultured pearls, seed pearls, and large mabe pearls set in 14ct and 18ct gold.
What varies in quality
The standard of 1960s gold earrings differs according to the weight of the precious metal and the precision of the goldsmithing. Hallmarks provide clear provenance for metal purity and assay office origin, such as London and Sheffield.
Quality also rests in the selection and matching of stones, from uniform cultured pearls and mabe pearls to well-cut amethysts and diamonds. The durability and finish of mechanisms like omega backs and clips further distinguish standard production from finer workshop output.
Andrew Grima
The 1960s Gold Earrings Glossary
- Guilloche enamel
- A decorative technique where a precise geometric pattern is engraved beneath a translucent layer of enamel. It appears frequently on mid-century Scandinavian silver gilt pieces.
- Mabe pearl
- A cultured half-pearl grown against the inside shell of an oyster rather than within its tissue. These hemispherical pearls often feature in large 1960s omega back earrings.
- Omega back
- A hinged clip fastening shaped like the Greek letter omega, used on non-pierced or heavy pierced earrings to secure the piece comfortably against the earlobe.
- Seed pearl
- Very small natural or cultured pearls, often drilled and threaded onto silk or wire. They are characteristic of Victorian revival cluster designs from this era.
1960s Gold Earrings: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for pearl earrings?
Pearls are relatively soft organic gems that require gentle handling to preserve their lustre. Clean them with a soft, damp cloth after wearing and store them separately from hard metal jewellery to avoid scratching.
Avoid exposing pearls to cosmetics, hairsprays, and perfumes, as chemicals can dull the nacre over time.
Are these earrings for pierced ears?
The pieces utilise a variety of fastenings, accommodating both pierced and non-pierced ears. Listings specify mechanisms such as post and clip studs, shepherds hooks, and omega backs.
Omega backs and clip fittings allow heavier drop earrings to be worn securely without relying solely on a post through the lobe.
How can I date 1960s gold earrings?
Dating relies heavily on official hallmarks stamped into the metal, which indicate the assay office and exact year of testing. Stylistic cues, such as modernist asymmetry or specific clasp types, also point firmly to the decade.
Maker marks and original presentation boxes further assist in confirming the period of manufacture.
What is silver gilt?
Silver gilt, also known as vermeil, consists of a sterling silver base coated with a layer of gold. This technique provides the warm appearance of gold while utilising silver as the primary structural metal.
It appears frequently in mid-century Scandinavian enamel designs on this page.