Edwardian Screw on Earrings
Edwardian screw on earrings bring comfortable, secure fastenings to early twentieth-century drop and stud designs.
Edwardian Screw on Earrings
Edwardian screw on earrings offer an accessible alternative to pierced fastenings, utilising a threaded mechanical back that pinches the earlobe safely. When you browse this selection of Edwardian screw on earrings, you encounter both chain drop silhouettes and close-fitting studs.
The materials span glowing 9ct gold and bright silver settings holding stones such as amethyst, red agate, amber, and tourmaline. Many pieces originate directly from the Edwardian era, alongside related examples from the Victorian period through to the 1930s.
Materials and construction
Goldsmiths and jewellers built these mounts predominantly in 9ct gold, silver, and platinum. Precious metal frames support delicate wirework, bezels, and chain drops.
Stones are selected for colour and cut, paired with mechanical screwback fittings soldered to the reverse. Gemstones like garnet, moonstone, and white chalcedony sit securely in closed or open settings alongside paste and faux pearls.
Edwardian Screw on Earrings Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for edwardian screw on 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.
Assessing quality
Quality rests in the precision of the metalwork and the lively cut of the gemstones. Finer examples display balanced proportions, delicate chain links, and securely housed stones such as diamonds or tourmalines.
The mechanical screw fitting should turn smoothly and hold position reliably against the lobe. Superior execution shows neat soldering, crisp hallmarks or metal tests, and harmonious stone matching.
The Edwardian Screw on Earrings Glossary
- Screwback
- A mechanical earring fastening that uses a threaded post and a small paddle screw to clamp the lobe without a piercing. This design provides adjustable pressure for non-pierced ears.
- Chain drop
- A jewellery style where the main gemstone or ornament hangs below the earlobe suspended by one or more lengths of fine chain. This construction adds movement and length to the piece.
- Paste
- Hand-cut and faceted lead glass used historically to imitate precious gemstones. It offers bright sparkle and strong colour in antique settings.
- Bezel setting
- A metal collar that wraps around the outer edge of a gemstone to hold it securely in place. This technique protects the girdle of the stone.
Edwardian Screw on Earrings: Frequently Asked Questions
How do screwback earrings work?
A small threaded screw is turned to adjust a flat pad against the back of the lobe. This gently pinches the tissue to hold the earring securely in place without a piercing.
They allow anyone to wear antique drop and stud designs comfortably throughout the day.
Are these earrings for pierced ears?
No, these pieces utilise mechanical screw fittings designed specifically for unpierced lobes. The screwback mechanism eliminates the need for wire hooks or post-and-butterfly backs.
Collectors prize them for offering historical styles to those who do not wear pierced jewellery.
What metals are typically used?
The listings feature settings fashioned from 9ct gold, silver, and platinum. These durable metals support both delicate gemstone clusters and longer chain drops.
Gold and silver provide traditional warmth, while platinum offers a bright, strong white metal base.
How can I date these earrings?
Dating relies on stylistic markers, cut of the stones, and metal types associated with periods from the Victorian era through the 1930s. Edwardian pieces often showcase light platinum work, filigree, or characteristic gemstone choices.
Examining the screw mechanism and overall construction style helps place the piece within its historical decade.