9ct Gold Screw Backs
These 9ct gold screw backs are secure vintage and antique earrings offering comfort without pierced lobes, spanning eras from the Victorian period to the mid-century.
9ct Gold Screw Backs
When you search for 9ct gold screw backs, you are looking at non-pierced earrings fitted with a threaded closure mechanism rather than a standard post or simple clip. These pieces span multiple decades, appearing in styles from Victorian leaf motifs to Edwardian chain drops and mid-century geometric designs.
You are most likely to meet Edwardian and 1930s examples on this page, often set with gemstones or pearls. The forms range from simple studs and hoop dangles to elaborate tassel fringes and chain drops.
The underlying metal in every instance is nine-carat gold, encompassing both traditional yellow gold and 9ct white gold. Each pair relies on the screw mechanism to adjust pressure on the earlobe for a secure fit.
How they were made
These earrings combine nine-carat gold settings with a mechanical threaded screw fitting soldered to the reverse. Gemstones such as amethyst, garnet, tourmaline, amber, and red agate are secured via claws, bezels, or bead settings.
Pearls and cultured pearls are utilised alongside hardstones like black onyx and white chalcedony. Workmanship varies from delicate Edwardian filigree and chain work to structured 1930s sunburst clusters and Victorian cast leaf motifs.
9ct Gold Screw Backs Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 9ct gold screw backs 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.
The documented periods span from Victorian and Edwardian times through the 1930s, 1940s, and 1960s mid-century modern era.
What varies in quality
The sophistication of the mechanical screw mechanism dictates much of the functional quality, with smoother threads and sturdier hinges marking out superior construction. Metalwork execution also differs, moving from basic stamped components to intricate pierced chain drops and hand-set stone clusters.
The choice and matching of materials separate standard examples from finer ones, particularly in the selection of uniform pearls or evenly saturated gemstones such as rubies, amethysts, and tourmalines.
The 9ct Gold Screw Backs Glossary
- Screw back
- An earring fitting that tightens onto the lobe via a threaded screw mechanism, designed for non-pierced ears. It allows the wearer to adjust the pressure manually.
- Chain drop
- An earring style where decorative elements hang below the earlobe suspended from fine chains. This adds movement and length to the piece.
- Cluster
- An arrangement of multiple gemstones or pearls grouped closely together, often surrounding a central stone to resemble a flower or sunburst. This style was popular across the Edwardian and Art Deco eras.
- Hardstone
- Opaque ornamental stones such as agate, onyx, and chalcedony used in jewellery. They are typically cut and polished into smooth cabochons or teardrops rather than faceted.
9ct Gold Screw Backs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do screw back earrings work?
These earrings use a threaded post and a small rotating nut that turns along the thread to press a pad against the back of the lobe. You adjust the distance manually until the fitting rests securely without pinching.
This mechanism allowed people without pierced ears to wear substantial drop and cluster earrings safely throughout the Victorian and mid-century periods.
Are all screw backs gold?
Not all historical screw backs are solid gold, as many were made from plated base metals or filled gold to reduce cost. The pieces featured here are specifically made from nine-carat gold, including both yellow and white varieties.
Checking the metal hallmarks or testing the material confirms the specific gold standard used by the maker.
How do I date these earrings?
Stylistic clues such as Edwardian chain drops, Victorian naturalistic motifs, and Art Deco geometric shapes help determine the period of manufacture. The specific type of gemstones and the construction of the screw mechanism also offer chronological indicators.
Comparing the overall design vocabulary to established eras places the earrings within the Victorian, Edwardian, or mid-century timeline.
Can screw backs be converted?
Converting screw backs to standard posts or modern clips is possible through a jeweller, though this alters the original vintage construction. Many collectors prefer to keep the screw mechanism intact to preserve the historical integrity of the piece.
Adjusting the tension properly usually makes the original screw fittings comfortable enough for modern wear without needing a conversion.