Mid Century Earrings
Mid century earrings bring together the bold geometric forms of the nineteen-fifties and sixties with fine gemstones and distinctive metals.
Mid Century Earrings
Mid century earrings encompass a wide range of designs, from sculptural Scandinavian silver and enamel works to diamond and pearl clusters set in white or yellow gold. Buyers exploring this category will encounter drop earrings, studs, and clip-ons originating predominantly from the nineteen-fifties and nineteen-sixties.
Many examples showcase vibrant coloured gemstones such as aquamarine, jade, turquoise, and amethyst alongside traditional precious stones. Pieces frequently reflect the modernist aesthetic of the era, incorporating clean lines and floral or sunburst motifs.
How they were made
Goldsmiths utilised yellow gold, white gold, platinum, and sterling silver as the primary structural foundations for these jewels. Gemstones including diamonds, pearls, and sapphires were meticulously claw-set, bezel-set, or clustered to maximise their brilliance.
Enamelling techniques played a significant role, particularly in Scandinavian modernist designs where coloured vitreous enamel was fused to silver gilt surfaces. Screwbacks, clip-on mechanisms, and lever-backs were commonly engineered to accommodate non-pierced ears.
Object forms include drop earrings, studs, screwbacks, clip-ons, and complete jewellery suites with matching necklaces.
What varies in quality
The distinction between standard commercial pieces and superior items often lies in the weight of the precious metal and the precision of the stone setting. Heavier mountings in eighteen-carat gold or platinum reflect a more substantial investment in materials by the original maker.
The clarity and cut of diamonds, the uniformity of matched pearls, and the preservation of delicate enamel work dictate the overall refinement of an earring pair. Designer signatures or original fitted boxes further elevate the standing of individual pieces.
Harold Arthur Lazarus·Christian Dior·Andrew Grima·Nicolis Cola·Andresen Scheinpflug Oslo
The Mid Century Earrings Glossary
- Parure
- A matching set of jewellery, typically comprising a necklace, earrings, brooch, and ring designed to be worn together. Such suites demonstrate coordinated styling popular during the mid-century period.
- Clip-on
- A mechanical ear fastening that secures the jewellery without requiring pierced lobes. This style was widely utilised for heavier cluster designs in the nineteen-fifties.
- Silver gilt
- Sterling silver that has been coated with a thin layer of gold. This technique was favoured by Scandinavian designers to provide a warm finish alongside enamel work.
- Cluster
- An arrangement of smaller gemstones grouped closely around a central focal stone or motif. This setting style maximises visual impact and light reflection.
- Lever-back
- A secure earring closure featuring a hinged lever that snaps shut behind the earlobe. It offers both safety and comfort for dangling drop designs.
Mid Century Earrings: Frequently Asked Questions
Were most mid century earrings for pierced ears?
Many surviving examples from this era were made with clip-on or screwback mechanisms to accommodate the fashion preferences of the time.
Pierced studs and drop styles were also common, but non-pierced fastenings predominate in heavier cluster designs.
How do I identify Scandinavian modern earrings?
Scandinavian pieces typically feature clean modernist lines, sterling silver construction, and vibrant coloured enamel.
Many of these items originate from Norway or Denmark and often showcase botanical motifs like daisies.
What is a floral parure set?
A floral parure is a coordinated suite of jewellery that includes matching earrings alongside items such as necklaces and brooches.
These sets share identical gemstone arrangements and metalwork styles for formal wear.
Are pearls natural in these earrings?
Earrings from this period feature a mixture of cultured pearls, South Sea pearls, and seed pearls depending on the design.
Pearl and diamond clusters were particularly popular for evening wear during the nineteen-fifties.