Mid Century Gold Earrings
Mid century gold earrings bring bold atomic geometry and rich textured metalwork to the ear, offering a wearable piece of mid-century design.
What mid century gold earrings are
Mid century gold earrings span the design vocabulary of the 1930s, 1950s and 1960s, encompassing studs, drop earrings and tassel fringe forms. Buyers searching for mid century gold earrings encounter versatile configurations ranging from geometric fan motifs to rounded lapis lazuli and jade studs.
The aesthetic draws heavily upon Mid-Century Modern and 1960s Modernist movements alongside 1950s Retro styles. Art Deco influences also emerge in pieces such as pearl drop designs framed in nine-carat gold.
The selection includes substantial pairings of heavy eighteen-carat gold alongside white and yellow gold combinations. Gemstones feature prominently alongside the metal, incorporating diamonds, pearls, jade, lapis lazuli, turquoise and amethyst.
How they were made
Settings incorporate diamonds, both as single accent stones and in larger carat weights, alongside polished cabochons of jade, lapis lazuli, turquoise and amethyst. Pearls are integrated as hanging drops or central studs, secured within custom gold claw and bezel settings.
Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical UK retail prices for mid century gold earrings, calculated from the Sellingantiques database of over a million retail prices indexed since 2003. This retail price guide relies exclusively on Sellingantiques data; no external sources or auction records are used, so the figures do not describe the wider market.
Some eighteen-carat gold earrings pack enough heavy metal to give your earlobe a solid mid-century workout.
What varies in quality
Quality rests upon the weight and purity of the gold, distinguishing lighter nine-carat constructions from heavy eighteen-carat gold mountings. The sophistication of the metalwork, seen in articulated tassel fringes and tailored fan motifs, separates standard production from finer output.
The selection and grading of incorporated materials also dictate standing, with natural turquoise, matched jade cabochons, lapis lazuli and certified diamonds elevating a piece. Designer attribution, such as signed French work or specific maker signatures, further defines the upper tier of the range.
Nicolis Cola
The Mid Century Gold Earrings Glossary
- Cabochon
- A gemstone shaped and polished with a smooth, rounded surface rather than faceted. This cut highlights the natural opaque colours of stones like jade, turquoise and lapis lazuli.
- Carat
- A unit of mass used for measuring gemstones, or a measure of the purity of gold expressed in parts out of twenty-four. Eighteen-carat gold contains seventy-five percent pure gold.
- Studs
- Earrings designed to sit directly on the earlobe without dropping below it. They secure with a post and butterfly backing.
- Tassel fringe
- A decorative arrangement of fine hanging metal chains or threads that move with the wearer. In mid-century pieces, these are rendered in gold to catch the light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What periods do these earrings cover?
The pieces span the 1930s, 1950s and 1960s. Designs incorporate styles from the mid-century modern era alongside earlier art deco influences.
Each decade brings distinct characteristics, from heavy textured gold to minimalist geometric forms.
What metals are used?
Constructed from nine-carat and eighteen-carat gold, these earrings utilise both yellow and white gold variations. Some pieces combine both tones for visual contrast.
Heavier eighteen-carat mountings appear frequently alongside lighter nine-carat designs.
Which gemstones appear in the designs?
Gemstones include diamonds, pearls, jade, lapis lazuli, turquoise and amethyst. Stones are cut as cabochons or faceted gems depending on the style.
Natural turquoise and carved jade frequently anchor the focal points of 1950s retro pieces.
Are these earrings clips or pierced?
The selection includes stud configurations alongside drop earrings and articulated fringe designs. Backings vary according to the period and specific mounting style.
Post fittings secure the stud variations against the earlobe.