QuestionThomas,
Can antique screw back earrings be converted for pierced ears? The earrings are 18K, about 11mm long, great design (partially open) that includes one med. size pearl in each.
Any suggestions? Is this expensive? Will it affect the value as an antique ring?
Many thanks,
Pauline
AnswerPauline, first of all to convert the earrings to post is a fine idea if the set will not be worn as is and will not be locked away as a collectors item.
For 18k, I will estimate a price in US dollars. Keep in mind this can vary from location to location. Likely the price will run from about $65 to perhaps $80. 14k would run less and labor is the same either way. Gold prices are at high and labor has also gone up more in the last year.
Your will have to pay a little more for the pearls to be removed and reset since pearls will not take heat from attachment of new posts.
Antique Value? Humm...generally to have genuine antique value the items must be unusual, well-known maker, signed, of a currently collectible style, in fine condition, etc. Without seeing the earrings, I cannot make a call on this one. You might want to check around on values. Often as not, even if lovely and old, if a piece of jewelry is not of particular interest to the market for specific reasons the value will be like estate jewelry and not an inflated price associated with collectible antiques.
Then again, if someone were to purchase these earrings assuming you wanted to sell, would that person be putting the earrings in a display or wanting to wear them? To wear earrings nowadays almost always means pierced posts styles.
If you want to wear the earrings and at the same time appreciate the beauty of the old work, by all means have the conversion done. We do this sort of work all the time and the ladies are happy to finally be able to wear earrings like they want.
Let me know if you need more info with the follow-up option. Fair enough?
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. July 30,2007 7:15PM
