Recreate these antique earrings for less?

[lokelani]

My heart skipped a beat when I saw this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ANTIQUE-RETRO-5ct-DIAMOND-COCKTAIL-CLIP-EARRINGS-1940-/270280936198?pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item3eedffcb06

And then it skipped a couple more when I saw the price tag.

I am in love with this style though... can anyone recommend a jeweler/vendor that could recreate this for a lot less than 9k? I'm honestly shocked that the asking price is that high. I see that it's apparently 5 tcw, but... really? That's a lot of teeny stones making up that number, without a sizable stone as the focal point, or anything like that.

Any estimates on what the least expensive route to recreate this pair could cost?

 

[kelpie]

Anything handmade with 5cts and PT is going to be pricey! I don't think you could save money by having them custom made. I have occasionally seen similar pieces listed by dover jewelery on their website or no reserve auctions so that would be my suggestion for finding something similar with a friendlier price.

They have a few pairs similar:
http://www.doverjewelry.com/catalog/earrings/antique_art_deco_305_cts_diamond_platinum_drop_earrings.html
http://www.doverjewelry.com/catalog/earrings/antique_deco_650cts_diamond_platinum_paisley_design_earrings.html
http://www.doverjewelry.com/catalog/earrings/antique_deco_335cts_diamond_platinum_drop_earrings.html

 

[lokelani]

*sigh*... I suppose.

Those are excellent alternatives though! Thank you! I had heard of Dover but didn't know they were also on eBay -- there are some nice pieces there with much friendlier prices, indeed! I'll be keeping an eye on that.

Thanks very much for your help and advice, Kelpie. Couldn't ask for input from a better source as from what I've seen of your collection, you're pretty much the vintage jewelry queen!! Those eternity bands, that OEC, the Single Stone setting....aaah!

What if I tried to put an alchemy request on Etsy, for like a silver/CZ (or maybe some other colorless as CZs kinda give me the willies ) knockoff of these? Think that would fetch me any luck?

 

[Kismet]

I think it would still be kind of an expensive proposition as you're looking at setting over 100 small stones. The labor for that doesn't really come cheap. Still, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Just out of curiosity, what were you thinking would be a fair price for the earrings?

ETA: I thought these were kind of similar.

 

[kelpie]

You are very kind! I love to stalk ebay bargains, if I find anything similar I'll let you know.