Vintage 1960s Earrings
These vintage 1960s earrings span sculptural modernist forms and classic gemstone clusters, offering buyers a distinct mid-century design statement.
Vintage 1960s Earrings
When searching for vintage 1960s earrings, buyers encounter a diverse range of forms including drop earrings, floral clusters, studs, and hoops. These pieces reflect the aesthetic shifts of the decade, moving from traditional gemstone arrangements to bold modernist designs.
The options appearing on this page originate predominantly from the 1960 period, showcasing styles such as Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern, and Victorian Revival. Cluster earrings and drop earrings dominate the available forms, often utilising omega backs, clips, or standard posts.
Mabe pearls and cultured pearls appear frequently, frequently paired with diamonds, sapphires, turquoise, amethyst, and garnet. Gold works in both yellow and white metal alongside silver and silver gilt provide the foundation for these varied designs.
How they were made
The construction of these items relies heavily on precious metals, primarily 9ct gold, 14ct gold, and 18ct gold, alongside 18ct white gold and sterling silver. Silversmiths and jewellers also employed silver gilt and guilloche enamel techniques to add rich surface colour and texture.
Gemstone mounting ranges from traditional claw and bezel settings for diamonds, emeralds, and aquamarines to intricate cluster formations involving seed pearls, turquoise, and split pearls. Specialist mechanisms such as omega backs and clip fittings provide secure wear for heavier drop and cluster designs.
Vintage 1960s Earrings Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for vintage 1960s 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.
Design styles represented span Mid-Century Modern, Victorian Revival, Scandinavian Modern, and 1960s modernist motifs.
What varies in quality
Quality in this category depends upon the weight and purity of the gold or silver used, alongside the calibre of the set gemstones. Higher tier pieces incorporate certified diamonds, substantial emeralds, or large mabe pearls within heavy 18ct gold settings.
Execution and design attribution also separate standard production from exceptional examples, particularly signed pieces by notable modern jewellers. The precision of enamel work, such as guilloche patterns, and the robustness of closures like omega backs further differentiate the range.
Andrew Grima·Julius Cohen·Boucheron·Tiffany and Co·Jean Schlumberger·Cartier
The Vintage 1960s Earrings Glossary
- Guilloche enamel
- A decorative technique where an engraved metal surface is coated with translucent enamel. This method creates repeating geometric patterns visible beneath the coloured glass layer.
- Mabe pearl
- A cultured half-pearl grown against the inside shell of an oyster rather than within the tissue. These hemispherical pearls offer a substantial size and distinct domed profile.
- Omega back
- A hinged earring finding shaped like the Greek letter omega that snaps down over the post. This mechanism distributes weight evenly across the earlobe for heavier designs.
- Silver gilt
- Sterling silver that has been coated with a thin layer of gold through electrolysis or chemical methods. This provides the warm appearance of solid gold while retaining a silver base.
- Cluster earrings
- A design style featuring a central stone surrounded by a border of smaller gemstones or pearls. This arrangement maximises light reflection and creates a dense floral or geometric silhouette.
Vintage 1960s Earrings: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a 1960s earring style?
Look for characteristic mid-century traits such as abstract modernist forms, textured gold finishes, and geometric cluster arrangements. Hallmarks and maker marks often provide definitive dating evidence.
Designs from this decade frequently depart from traditional Victorian constraints, favouring bold silhouettes and unusual gemstone combinations like turquoise and diamond.
What are omega backs on vintage earrings?
Omega backs are hinged clip mechanisms shaped like the Greek letter omega that secure the earring against the post. They offer stability for heavier mid-century designs.
This fastening style relieves pressure on the piercing while ensuring the piece remains firmly positioned during wear.
How should I clean gold and pearl earrings?
Clean 18ct or 9ct gold and pearl earrings gently using a soft, damp cloth without harsh chemical immersions. Pearls are organic and sensitive to ultrasonic cleaners.
Store them separately in lined boxes to prevent the metal settings from scratching the pearl surfaces over time.
What materials are common in 1960s drop earrings?
These drop earrings frequently incorporate 9ct and 18ct gold, sterling silver, and silver gilt alongside diamonds, pearls, and amethysts. Coloured stones like turquoise and garnet also appear.
Enamel work and guilloche techniques provide additional colour and surface texture in Scandinavian and European designs.