Mid-Century Molded Ivory-Tone Leaf Earrings with Gold-Tone Mounts

Jewelry

Pair of mid-century clip earrings featuring molded ivory-tone leaf forms set within gold-tone decorative mounts, combining organic motifs with sculptural metal framing.

Mid-Century Molded Ivory-Tone Leaf Earrings with Gold-Tone Mounts Mid-Century Molded Ivory-Tone Leaf Earrings with Gold-Tone Mounts Mid-Century Molded Ivory-Tone Leaf Earrings with Gold-Tone Mounts - Image 2 Mid-Century Molded Ivory-Tone Leaf Earrings with Gold-Tone Mounts – Image 2
Mid-Century Molded Ivory-Tone Leaf Earrings with Gold-Tone Mounts - Image 2

circa 1955 – circa 1968

Dating is supported by molded plastic cabochon construction, clip-back findings (non-screw), and the stylized botanical motif characteristic of mid-century costume jewelry.

Method of Manufacture Molded thermoplastic or early resin leaf components Cast gold-tone metal mount with integrated clip hardware Adhesive-set central leaf element within metal frame Mass-produced postwar costume jewelry construction Setting & Construction Leaf element formed as a single molded cabochon Bezel-style metal surround framing the leaf Decorative cast metal scrollwork and bead accents at base Hinged clip-back findings with tension spring (no screw adjustment) Materials Ivory-tone molded plastic or resin (possibly celluloid or early acrylic) Gold-tone plated base metal (likely brass alloy) Integrated clip mechanism in plated metal Technical Dating Indicators Non-screw clip backs common mid-1950s onward Molded plastic jewelry surged in popularity during the 1950s–60s Organic leaf motif aligned with mid-century nature-inspired accessories Warm ivory and gold palette fashionable in coordinated accessory sets

These earrings reflect the mid-century fascination with stylized natural forms rendered in modern materials. The 1950s and 1960s saw widespread experimentation with plastics in jewelry, allowing designers to replicate carved ivory or bone effects affordably and ethically (well before contemporary sustainability discourse, but aligned with mass production practicality). Leaf motifs were associated with: Feminine elegance Seasonal fashion transitions (especially autumn collections) Coordinated accessory sets (earrings paired with brooches) Such pieces were typically worn with: Structured day dresses Matching handbag and glove sets Church or social daytime events The shift to molded plastics represents the broader democratization of decorative fashion in postwar America and Europe.

Very Good

Mar 2, 2026

Light surface wear to plastic leaf elements Minor plating wear on reverse and clip hardware No visible cracking or major structural damage Clips intact and functional

Description

This pair of mid-century leaf earrings illustrates the integration of molded plastics into fashion jewelry during the postwar period. The central ivory-tone leaf forms are molded to suggest carved natural material, complete with stylized vein detailing, and are framed within decorative gold-tone mounts featuring bead-like and scroll accents. The combination of traditional botanical imagery with modern synthetic materials reflects a transitional design philosophy: nature rendered through industrial innovation. By the mid-1950s, advances in thermoplastic molding enabled manufacturers to create detailed sculptural forms at scale, expanding access to visually rich accessories beyond the realm of precious materials. Clip-back findings indicate continued adaptation to evolving wearing practices prior to universal ear piercing. The overall composition balances softness and structure, aligning with the polished femininity of mid-century fashion. Today, such earrings serve as artifacts of material experimentation and mass-market elegance, embodying the intersection of natural inspiration and industrial production that defined mid-twentieth-century costume jewelry.