You’re absolutely right! The style of the clip or screw back used on vintage earrings can be a great clue in dating them. Here’s a quick overview of how different types of clips and screw backs were used across the decades:
1. 1920s-1930s:
- Screw Back Earrings: Introduced in the early 1900s, these were widely used through the 1920s-30s. Screw back earrings have a small screw that tightens to hold the earring in place. This type of closure was popular because it was adjustable and allowed for a snug fit without the need for pierced ears.
- Style Features: Typically simple and functional, but paired with highly ornate Art Deco designs.
2. 1940s:
- Screw Back & Clip-On Combination: In the 1940s, screw backs were still very common, but clip-ons started gaining popularity, especially for more fashion-forward jewelry designs.
- Early Clip-On Earrings: These had a hinge with a pressure clip, applying pressure to hold the earring on the earlobe.
- Style Features: Designs often featured larger, statement pieces to match the bold jewelry trends of the era.
3. 1950s:
- Clip-On Earrings: The 1950s saw the widespread use of clip-on earrings, which became the dominant style. They were easy to use and allowed women to wear larger, heavier earrings that were in vogue during this decade.
- Screw-Back & Clip Combo: Some earrings from this time had both a screw and clip mechanism, allowing for an extra secure fit.
- Style Features: Clip-ons were popular with the classic “button” earrings, which often had domed or circular shapes.
4. 1960s:
- Clip-On Earrings: Clip-ons continued to dominate the 1960s. The designs became more experimental, often reflecting the mod and pop art influences of the time.
- Style Features: Earrings were frequently bold and colorful, often featuring materials like enamel or lucite. The clips themselves became more streamlined.
5. 1970s:
- Clip-On Earrings: Still the go-to for non-pierced earrings, but many designs started becoming larger and more ornate, reflecting the boho-chic and disco styles of the decade.
- Style Features: Large, dangling earrings were common, with clip-ons providing a secure hold for bigger designs.
6. 1980s:
- Clip-On Earrings: The clip-ons of the 1980s tended to be oversized and exaggerated to match the bold fashion of the era. Large hoops, geometric shapes, and gold-tone metal dominated.
- Style Features: Earrings often had decorative hinges and padding on the clips for comfort due to the size and weight of the pieces.
7. 1990s-2000s:
- Clip-On & Post Backs: While ear piercing became more common, clip-ons remained in use, particularly for costume jewelry brands. The designs became more lightweight and streamlined.
- Style Features: Designs became more minimal, moving away from the large, statement pieces of the 80s.
Reference Photos:
To help date your earrings more precisely, you could look for reference photos online or vintage jewelry books that provide visual guides on clip-on mechanisms. Pinterest, vintage jewelry forums, and websites like Etsy often have detailed images of vintage clips by decade. Auction sites like Sotheby’s and Christie’s also occasionally provide detailed images and descriptions that include information about the earring back types used.
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