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Anyone know if it's common for earring backs to be gold. I came across a jewelry box that someone was throwing away in a (very) well to due neighborhood and it was empty except for a few earring backs, gold in color. Would they be marked if they're gold? These ones are not marked.

Do an acid test, if you don't have acid testing kit try a pawn shop.

Most gold earring backs that are gold are stamped 14k

Swipe a magnet first- these pieces of jewelry actually are receptive to magnets unlike other forms of jewelry.

If it passes that check for .585 or 14 markings along with .417 or 10k markings. Gold backings tend to be smaller and cut differently, almost like a pattern.

And if it is marked they always weight less or near .1 grams, so at 14k that close to $2.80 in value

Likely plated if not marked in any way. Get enough of these and you might want to look at the gold refining forum. A man can't have enough hobbies.

Thanks for the responses, I'll try some of those things.