Vendome Dripping Rhinestone Earrings, ca 1940's

This is a beautiful pair of rhinestone clip-on earrings marked as “Vendome” with no copyright symbol making this an early pair. The insides of each earring pad read "PAT P.805.501"

Screw-back earrings were first designed in the 1930's because pierced ears were seen as a barbaric form of bodily mutilation. Women wanted to enjoy wearing baubles on their ears, but didn't want to "destroy" their bodies in the process.

My, how times have changed.

These earrings are made of silver-tone and clear Swarovski crystals. They feature a burst of rhinestones arranged like a flower.

The earrings measure 1-1/8" wide x 7/8" tall x just over 1/4" deep. There are three lengths of articulated rhinestone chain below the clusters, and have long, slender rhinestone drops. The longest of these chains measures just over 1 1/4" long, for a total of earring length of 2-1/8" from the top of the earring to the bottom of the chains.

These are in really good vintage condition. The rhinestones are clear and bright with some slight darkening to the silvertone, but is it very minor and only on the back of the earrings.

In the interest of full disclosure, if you look very, very closely, you might see a slight yellowing of the rhinestones, but this is absolutely not noticeable when these beauties are worn. The rhinestones are very secure in their prong settings.

The clips are the adjustable screw clip-on style and are tight and secure.

These are very elegant and the perfect appointment to evening wear or a special occasion. They are absolutely beautiful on the ear.

We always suggest that vintage rhinestone jewelry be kept in dark fabric bags to sustain the quality of the pieces.

These are gorgeous and you won’t be disappointed.

Item ID: 3778