Victorian Revival - Vintage Rhodium Plate Olive Green Crystal Rhinestone Dangly Clip-On Earrings (VE422)

Victorian Revival - Vintage Rhodium Plate Olive Green Crystal Rhinestone Dangly Clip-On Earrings. These attractive earrings are crafted from Rhodium plate over metal. They features marquise shape and round cut crystal rhinestones, vintage Victorian revival styling, and quality craftsmanship. The surmount on these earrings are made in the form of a flower, which is adorned by a sparkling olive green crystal. They are a clip-on style for pierced and non pierced ears. The surmounts support and a lovely ribbon dangle, which are set with more beautiful olive green rhinestones. These vintage earrings would make a  wonderful addition to any vintage jewelry collection. 

History: Originally, rhinestones were rock crystals gathered from the river Rhine, hence the name, although some were also found in areas like the Alps (the source of the Rhine). Today the name "rhinestone" applies only to varieties of lead glass known as crystal glass.

Rhodium has been used as a coating for jewelry and silverware since the 1930s. It was also used as a plating for cigarette lighters and writing instruments during that time. One of the many companies that used rhodium plating was the Ronson Lighter Company, which produced many art-deco style items in the 30s.

Clip-on earrings became popular in the early 1900s when ear piercing was more rare. Trendy “flapper-style” hairstyles in the late 1910s and early 1920s featured short, cropped hair that showcased the ears. As a result, clip-on earrings found continued popularity among young women of the 1920s and 1930s.

In the 1970s, pierced ears made a comeback as woman were more liberated and they pushed the boundaries on what was socially acceptable, including ear piercing. Clip-on and screw-back earring sales plummeted as people opted for pierced earrings and the styles were a lot simplier.

Measurements: Earrings 42.00 mm x 23.00 mm 

Stone Size: Crystal Rhinestones (Marquise) 12.00 mm x 5.00 mm    Rhinestones(Round Cut) 6.00 mm - 5.00 mm 

Weight: 12.80 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1960