Vintage Sterling Silver and Blue Sapphire Floral Cluster Jewelry Set
Jewelry (Earrings and Pendant Set) · Unmarked artisan or commercial silver manufacturer, likely of Thai, Indian, or Mexican origin given the casting style and setting type.
Pattern: Starburst or scalloped floral cluster pattern, mid-20th century production.
Type
Jewelry (Earrings and Pendant Set)
Maker
Unmarked artisan or commercial silver manufacturer, likely of Thai, Indian, or Mexican origin given the casting style and setting type.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with heavy gold wash or vermeil finish, set with faceted blue sapphires.
Dimensions
Standard jewelry scale: earrings approx. 1.5 cm diameter, pendant approx. 1.8 cm diameter including the jump ring bail. Total weight estimated under 15 grams.
Description
An attractive matching jewelry suite consisting of a pair of stud earrings and a coordinating pendant. Each piece features a scalloped, starburst-like cluster design crafted from silver with a rich gold-tone vermeil wash and studded with deep blue faceted gemstones resembling sapphires. The reverse of each piece exhibits a distinctive textured, stippled ground with open-back settings to allow light to pass through the stones.
Key Features
Matching set format, sunburst or floral petal outline, textured stippled reverse, open-back stone settings, warm vermeil finish over genuine sterling silver.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with heavy gold wash or vermeil finish, set with faceted blue sapphires.
Finish & Decoration
Textured stippled finish on the reverse sides, mirror polish accents on edges, multi-prong cluster stone setting.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Hallmarks are not clearly visible in the provided image, but typical standard stamps for such imported pieces usually include '925' or maker initials on the reverse bail or post areas.
Construction Details
Cast metal construction with hand-finished stone settings and soldered posts and jump rings.
Functional Features
Standard post-and-back friction clasps for the earrings and an integrated suspension loop (bail) for the pendant.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; features standard butterfly friction backs for earrings.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial lost-wax casting with neat prong-setting work. The textured stippling on the back serves both a decorative purpose and helps conceal minor casting imperfections.
Authentication Indicators
Textured stippled backing and casting porosities typical of mid-to-late 20th-century manufactured silver jewelry. Acid testing of the metal is recommended to confirm sterling silver content beneath the vermeil.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in a major international jewelry processing hub such as Thailand, India, or Mexico, utilizing traditional lost-wax casting and stone-setting techniques.
Era & Period
Retro / Mid-20th Century (c. 1950-1980)
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1980 based on the casting style, friction backs, and vermeil finish popular during this period.
Cultural Significance
Affordable fine jewelry suites became highly popular in the mid-20th century, allowing everyday consumers to wear matching gemstone sets for social occasions.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Minor surface wear to the gold vermeil finish consistent with age and gentle use. Stones appear secure in their settings. Standard butterfly backs present.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $40 to $120 USD depending on the verified purity of the silver, the natural versus synthetic origin of the sapphires, and the presence of maker's marks.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemical dips, ultrasonic cleaners, or abrasive polishes which can strip the delicate gold vermeil plating.
Similar Pieces
Similar mass-produced and artisan-crafted gemstone clusters from international silver exporters found in vintage marketplaces and antique shops.
Interesting Facts
Vermeil—gold plating over sterling silver—has been used for centuries to provide the luxurious look of solid gold while utilizing more accessible precious metals like silver as a base.