Featured Maker 60’s Huge Gold Ball Stones Earrings

Told a friend I’d ask if you can identify. Gorgeous huge flower ball earrings with precious stones. Probably 18K and about an inch in diameter but neither of us can read hallmarks with a loupe. I told him to ask someone with a better camera to give me a picture of the hallmarks and it will probably be a nobrainer, but until then I thought the maker may be obvious to one of you. We think they were probably dropped off a gold bar and a small flower stud.

The hallmarks are on the bale and one stamp looks like it could be an anchor but he needs to get better magnification. Thanks in advance and wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year.

 

Apologies for how this posted

 

No apologies needed, but to help we will have to wait for the shot of the marks. In the mean time, have you had the stones tested?

 

Earrings? How do they affix to the ear?

Debora

 

No since they aren’t mine but I’ve yet to ever be fooled by jewelry in my hand so that’s not an issue in my mind yet. I need to identify the hallmarks first. IMO they’re gorgeous.

 

They don’t at this point. They’ve been removed and are just 2 balls with a top fixed loop-each has hallmarks but our loupes were not strong enough to get readable images.

We’ve seen variations where similar balls were suspended from a gold bar which hung off a similar small flower either wired or posted but that’s just conjecture. Right now they’re two separate gold balls. I’d probably just suspend them from long wires.

I’ll post back if I can get pictures. Otherwise I’ll just tell him that I can’t help and to let me know if/when he has a price. I can worry about testing them then.

 

Well, do know that pierced ears weren't terribly common in the 1960s. If they are from that period, they would have most likely hung like this and affixed to the ear with clips.

https://www.anothertimevintageappar...ck-sequin-bead-drop-ball-earrings-clips-disco

Debora

 

Yes, I’ve seen them both clipped and pierced. IMO they’re not American and I’d expect that they were pierced. My ears were pierced in 1961 but regardless I’d probably just hang them off wires.

 

Since the original findings are long gone, you can do whatever you want. I tried taking pictures with a new tablet the other day with similar results. It doesn't do macro, and pulling back and cropping didn't do any better. Sometimes it takes a real camera.

 

I really tried and was very frustrated. Hope a mutual friend with a camera will be able to get a clear shot.

 

I have something similar at the store. It's a pin with flowers like this and colored glass centers. If I remember correctly (which I don't always do) it is gold filled.

I agree with Debora - they were probably clip earrings. Too heavy for pierced.

 

This very small mark and its location leads to French origin
Must be the eagle's head hallmark, partially visible due to the rounded surface where it is struck

 

Love them.

Could be the eagle mark for .750 (18k):





The other photo:

 

I keep thinking they are bold gallstones.

 

I am very glad they aren't.

 

Ouch!!

 

With respect, they’re very lightweight. I’m extremely sensitive to weight on my ears and I could wear them off wires. They’re large but hollow. Without question, this type of earring was made at virtually every price point from low end costume on up but I’ve had them in hand and they’re gold and precious stones and yes, I know that you all are looking at a bad photo but I wasn’t and do have fine jewelry knowledge too. The gold flower work is beautiful.


It doesn’t matter if they were originally pierced or not as if I end up owning them I’ll put them on wires. I’d actually like to have them hung off diamond centered matching floral posts but won’t put that kind of money into them as I’m betting they’ll be out of my price range as they are.

Will keep you all posted (pun intended) and thanks for the replies.

 

TY so much...funny we were thinking France...I will try and get a better photo. The knowledge that you’re all willing to share is so appreciated.

 

Thanks AJ...totally makes sense to me. Without “knowing” I know they’re 18K and felt strongly that they were European. I will try to get a better photo posted. I think they’re absolutely amazing but that’s just my take.

Ha Ha on the gallstones. When I first saw them I thought of the vintage Mexican minas but these are flowers.