RARE Bill Schiffer Large Abstract Lucite and Rhinestone Earrings Circa 1989

Measurements: 2.9"L x 1.75"W x .25"Thick (7.37cm x 4.45cm x .64cm)

Markings: B Schiffer © 1989

Weight: 17.2g

An exuberant and unmistakably late-1980s pair of Bill Schiffer wearable-art statement earrings, bursting with saturated color, texture and movement.

Each oversized earring is composed of an abstract sculptural base embellished with a wonderfully eclectic assortment of colorful rhinestones and decorative elements in vivid shades of red, blue, turquoise, green, purple, pink, orange and gold. The asymmetric arrangement gives the earrings the playful, energetic quality for which Schiffer's jewelry became known.

At nearly 3 inches long, these are unapologetic statement earrings — bold, theatrical and wonderfully representative of the maximalist fashion aesthetic of the late 1980s.

The earrings are signed B Schiffer © 1989, giving us an exact production date.

They have been professionally converted to pierced post backs and are fitted with surgical-steel posts and butterfly backs. All decorative stones are present, secure and intact.

The earrings remain in excellent vintage condition with only minor wear consistent with age.

And yes — metallic eyeshadow and excessive Aqua Net are entirely optional. 😂

A fabulous example of Bill Schiffer's colorful New York wearable-art jewelry and a wonderful piece for collectors of 1980s designer jewelry, statement earrings and postmodern fashion.

About Bill Schiffer

New York artist and jewelry designer Bill Schiffer became known for creating bold, colorful wearable art that blurred the line between jewelry and sculpture.

Beginning in the 1970s, Schiffer experimented with hand-painted resins and later incorporated rhinestones, crystals, metals and other materials into highly distinctive abstract compositions. His pieces were designed for visual impact and movement, often combining unexpected colors, shapes and textures.

Schiffer's jewelry found a substantial audience through major retailers including Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue, while his Soho gallery and studio became part of New York's vibrant downtown art scene.

His work is particularly recognizable for its joyful color combinations, abstract construction and unapologetic sense of fun — qualities beautifully represented in this 1989 pair.

One more small wording change: I would drop “neoclassical” from the bio. These earrings are much closer visually to postmodern, maximalist, abstract and wearable-art jewelry than anything neoclassical.

And I would absolutely keep 1989 in the title because having the exact copyright date is a selling point here.

If you want, I’d also be very curious to check Bill Schiffer pricing on these because at almost 3 inches and dated 1989, this is a much stronger pair than his smaller earrings.