Vintage 14K Gold Filled Nautilus Shell Stud Earrings — 1980s 14K GF Ribbed Spiral Shell Earrings

A nautilus shell rendered in warm, high-polish gold — the spiral coils inward from a scalloped outer edge to a tight central whorl, with fine radiating ribs fanning across the entire surface. The form is both architectural and organic, the kind of shape that looks equally at home in a natural history museum and on an ear. Stamped 14K G.F. on the interior, these are gold filled rather than plated, meaning a substantially thicker layer of gold bonded to a base metal core — a meaningful step up in quality and longevity from standard costume jewelry. The steel post and butterfly back closures are practical and secure. Coastal and nature-inspired jewelry of this caliber had a strong moment in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and pieces like this have held their appeal without effort.

Materials
14K gold filled, steel post and butterfly back closures

Details

• Era: 1980s
• Maker: Unsigned; stamped 14K G.F. on interior
• Style / design notes: Sculptural nautilus / spiral shell form; fine radiating rib detail across face; scalloped outer edge; tight central spiral
• Closure: Steel post and butterfly back (pierced)
• Color: Warm yellow gold
• Condition: Good vintage condition, please see images

Measurement
Approx. 0.75 in across, 0.5 in wide

Collected by Mineral and Matter