Gold Screw Back Drops
Gold screw back drops offer secure, pierced-look fastening for unpierced lobes, combining antique character with everyday comfort.
Gold Screw Back Drops
Gold screw back drops are drop earrings designed with a threaded mechanism that adjusts the tension on the earlobe without requiring a piercing. When you search for gold screw back drops, you find hanging drop and dangle designs originating from the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and mid-century periods.
The versions you meet most often on this page are Edwardian and Victorian 9ct gold pairs featuring swinging chains, tassels, or clusters of gems. They span multiple eras including the 1930s and 1960s, showing how makers adapted screw fittings across changing twentieth-century styles.
These earrings bring together the security of a threaded closure and the movement of a dangling drop. Each pair demonstrates the historical shift towards wearable, user-friendly fastenings for non-pierced ears.
How they were made
Makers fashioned these pieces primarily using 9ct gold and 15ct gold, housing threaded screw mechanisms designed to gently clasp the lobe. Gemstones and organic materials like amber, red agate, black onyx, amethyst, pearl, mother of pearl and coral were hand-set into the gold mounts.
The drop components incorporate fine chain links, carved beads, and bezel or prong settings to secure the stones. Metalwork techniques range from delicate Edwardian filigree and chain drops to Victorian oak leaf motifs and 1930s sunburst clusters.
Gold Screw Back Drops Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for gold screw back drops 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.
What varies in quality
Quality in these earrings rests upon the precision of the goldwork and the matching of the natural stones. Early examples show crisp hand-carved details in organic materials like amber, agate, and coral, paired with robust, smoothly turning screw mechanisms that hold their tension securely.
The distinction between standard production and finer work lies in the weight of the gold and the articulation of the drop elements. Heavier 15ct gold mountings, complex multi-stone configurations like amethyst and pearl combinations, and well-preserved screw threads separate the more substantial pieces from lighter everyday items.
The Gold Screw Back Drops Glossary
- Screw back
- A fastening mechanism utilising a threaded post and a small nut that turns to tighten against the back of the lobe. This design allows non-pierced wearers to adjust the pressure securely.
- Drop earring
- A style of earring that hangs below the earlobe rather than sitting directly against it. They often incorporate chains, beads, or swinging dangles.
- 9ct gold
- An alloy containing a proportion of pure gold mixed with other metals to increase durability for jewellery. It appears frequently in Edwardian and twentieth-century pieces.
- Amethyst
- A purple variety of quartz often used in Victorian jewellery settings. It provides deep colour contrast against yellow gold mounts.
- Bezel setting
- A method of holding a gemstone in place using a narrow metal rim that wraps around the stone's outer edge. This technique secures softer organic materials and polished cabochons.
Gold Screw Back Drops: Frequently Asked Questions
How do screw back earrings work?
The mechanism relies on a threaded post that passes behind the earlobe, where a small paddle or screw cap turns to tighten the fitting. You adjust the tension manually until the earring rests comfortably and securely without pinching.
This design was widely used before clip-on fasteners became common, giving wearers without pierced ears the ability to wear dangling styles safely.
Are these comfortable for all-day wear?
Because you control the exact pressure against the lobe, you can adjust them to feel secure without being overly tight. Many find them more stable than traditional clip-on fasteners.
However, adjusting them correctly is essential to avoid putting too much pressure on sensitive skin during extended wear.
How do I date an Edwardian pair?
Edwardian pieces often feature light 9ct gold settings combined with materials like red agate, amber, garnet beads, or delicate chain drops. The overarching aesthetic leans towards airy, fine metalwork.
Comparing the specific gemstone choices and the style of the drop assembly against known period examples helps confirm the era of manufacture.
Can these be converted to pierced posts?
Conversion is technically possible by a jeweller, but altering the original screw back mechanism removes part of the piece's historical character. Most collectors prefer to keep the original screw back fittings intact.
Preserving the original hardware maintains the integrity and authenticity of vintage and antique drop earrings.