This beautiful pair of amethyst-colored rhinestone earrings dates from the 1940s. Each earring contains 19 faceted purple rhinestones, 7 round, 6 teardrop and 6 rectangular-shaped. They are set in gold tone metal and held in place with prongs. The round center stone is elevated above the others, which radiate out from the center.  The rhinestones are fairly closely set. The pair is in very good pre-owned condition, with wear commensurate with their age of 80 years. The rhinestones have maintained their sparkle and clarity. The earrings each measure 15/16" in diameter, just shy of an inch.

Jewelry featuring purple rhinestones was popular during the 1920s and 1930s and came back in vogue in the mid-1940s.

These clip-back earrings have a feature I have never seen before. They each have a triangular pad of moleskin that is whip-stitched around the edges on the back, presumably to cushion the wearer's ears. I'm sure this could be removed, if desired. I have never tried.

Film actresses of the 1920s, '30s and '40s wore jewelry with lots of sparkle on screen that would catch the light and glitter effectively even in the black and white film medium of the day. Rhinestone jewelry offered the average person the ability to add sparkle and glamour to their own look.