Late Art Deco Rhinestone Cluster Earring (single) with Screw-Back Finding
Description
Single circular rhinestone cluster earring featuring a large central stone surrounded by graduated clear rhinestones in prong settings, mounted on adjustable screw-back hardware.
Item Type
Ear Clip - Singular
Made/Created
Date made
circa 1935 - circa 1948
Notes
Dating is supported by screw-back fittings, heavy pot-metal casting, and multi-stone cluster construction characteristic of late Art Deco and early wartime costume jewelry.
Jewelry Details
Gemstones
Notes
Method of Manufacture
Cast base metal framework (likely pot metal alloy)
Individually prong-set glass rhinestones
Hand-assembled multi-tier cluster design
Electroplated silver-tone finish (now partially worn)
Setting & Construction
Prominent central faceted rhinestone (chaton cut)
Surrounding graduated stones in individual raised prong mounts
Open-back stone settings allowing light transmission
Adjustable screw-back findings with ridged tightening disk
Domed construction creating dimensional brilliance
Materials
Silver-tone plated pot metal base
Clear faceted glass rhinestones
Brass screw-back mechanism
Technical Dating Indicators
Screw-back hardware common pre-clip era (1920s–early 1940s)
Pot metal casting popular in 1920s–30s Art Deco jewelry
Multi-stone circular cluster strongly associated with late 1930s glamour styling
Dense prong construction typical of pre-1950 costume jewelry before lightweight mid-century shifts
Ethnography
Notes
These earrings reflect the glamour aesthetics of late Art Deco and early Hollywood-influenced fashion. Rhinestone cluster jewelry was designed to mimic the brilliance of diamond jewelry at a fraction of the cost, making it accessible to middle-class women seeking evening elegance.
Such pieces were commonly worn for:
Formal dances and evening events
Theater and cinema outings
Cocktail gatherings during the 1930s and 1940s
The circular burst motif echoes celestial and sunburst themes prevalent in Deco design, emphasizing symmetry and radiance.
Screw-back fittings indicate a period when ear piercing was not yet widespread in American society, and jewelry needed to be adjustable and non-invasive.
Condition
Overall Condition
Good
Date Examined
Mar 2, 2026
Notes
Most rhinestones present and bright
One stone missing (visible dark setting)
Moderate plating wear and oxidation on reverse
Screw-back mechanism intact and functional
Age-related surface tarnish to pot metal
General Notes
Note Type
Description
Note
This pair of rhinestone cluster earrings embodies the theatrical brilliance of late Art Deco costume jewelry. Constructed from cast pot metal and set with graduated clear rhinestones, the earrings are arranged around a dominant central stone to create a radiant burst effect. The dimensional domed profile enhances sparkle by capturing and refracting light from multiple angles.
During the 1930s and 1940s, rhinestone jewelry offered women an affordable means to emulate the opulence of diamond adornment seen in Hollywood cinema and society fashion. Advances in glass cutting and metal casting allowed manufacturers to produce highly faceted stones that closely simulated precious gems under electric lighting.
The screw-back hardware situates the piece within pre-pierced ear traditions, reinforcing its placement in the late Deco to wartime era. The weight and density of the cast metal framework further reflect manufacturing practices prior to the lighter constructions of mid-century costume jewelry.
Today, such earrings represent both aspirational glamour and the industrial ingenuity of early 20th-century fashion accessories, preserving the sparkle of an era defined by elegance amid economic uncertainty.
