Antique Vintage Art Deco Mid Century 14k Gold Freshwater Pearl Dangle Earrings

Description

We have similar Pearl and Mid Century items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Pearl" or "Mid Century"
under our auction items.
Item Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
0 - ,000
Age Circa:
Mid Century C. 1935 - 1965
Markings:
"14k" on the post backings, tested
, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
1.9 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Freshwater pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Length:
6.76 mm to 9.65 mm
Width:
3.82 mm to 4.34 mm
Depth:
3.13 mm to 3.93 mm
Color:
lustrous white hue
Accent Stone:
--
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Stone Treatment:
The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts:
Naturally off-round and polished pearls
Earring Style:
Dangle
Earring Backing Style:
Post backings. Your local jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears:
Pierced
Item Measurements:
Length:
1.81" & 1.83"
Width:
0.25"
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Mid Century era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature beautiful freshwater pearls.
The inclusion of such eye-catching, lustrous stones in these earrings is an excellent example of the bold and creative styles that dominated jewelry making during the Mid Century era. This time period
saw jewelers create jewelry using unusual or uncommon stones, as well as incorporating new designs and re-purposing those from the past to craft entirely new pieces of jewelry.
Each earring features three freshwater pearls, which are white in hue and display a stunning luster as light reflects off the face of the off-round pearl at different angles.
These pearls would have been hand-harvested before being polished to show off their beautiful luster. The pearl stones were carefully drilled through the center and strung on 14k yellow gold chain, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold a lovely contrast to the white hue of the pearls. Yellow gold beads were also strung on the chain on each side of the pearls, making the earrings impossible to miss.
Completing the earrings are 14k yellow gold posts which makes them suitable for pierced ears, with the addition of butterfly backings.
A classic example of the
bold jewelry styles popular during the Mid Century era, these earrings would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection. Don't miss your chance to preserve this piece of cultural history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. The butterfly backings are missing from the earrings; however, a set of butterfly backings can easily be purchased from your local jeweler or department store in order for the earrings to be worn. There are also minor dents to several of the yellow gold beads, which does not affect wear. The price has been reduced to reflect this.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Mid-Century era, 1935 to 1965, encompassed many new styles of art and architecture and this carried over to jewelry making. This exciting time for jewelry saw movements such as Hollywood Regency, Modernism, Brutalism, and the Atomic Age. Native American artisans were also making their mark in the jewelry industry. Artisans used many kinds of metals, gemstones, glass, and experimented with ceramic and wood as well. This era was filled with new and innovative designs, while also rejuvenating and reinventing older styles. The unique jewelry which emerged from this era is still very popular today
.
Freshwater pearls are a special type of pearl that are created by freshwater mussels and have been used in jewelry as far back as Medieval times. The largest source for natural freshwater pearls at that time was the Holarctic Freshwater Pearl Mussel, which was native to Scotland. This species is now endangered, and most freshwater pearls must be cultured. Unlike cultured saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are not bead-nucleated and are therefore typically less round. Instead of using a bead, a small square of mantle tissue is cut from a donor mussel's inner lining and inserted into the lining of the harvesting mussel to instigate pearl formation. The unique harvesting technique makes freshwater pearls purely composed of nacre. These pearls are valued for their whimsical shapes and wide range of colors. The unique character of freshwater pearls is found in their distinctive texture and the warmth of their luster.
Domestic US
: All items ship within one business day of receiving payment. Buyers will have 3 base shipping options to choose from, depending on the needed speed of delivery. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
Auction Items:
Base shipping + .00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for free
BIN Items:
FREE
Base Shipping:
USPS
First Class
: .00 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS
Priority Mail
: .00 fully insured, estimated 2-3 business days
USPS
Priority Express
: .00 fully insured, overnight delivery
International
: All packages are sent via USPS and pricing is based on buyer location. Each customer will receive a revised invoice at the close of the auction with an updated shipping rate. We will combine shipping on multiple purchases for free.
We do not undervalue packages for customs, please do not ask us to do so. What you pay is what we will claim on your customs form.
Please take this into consideration before placing your bid.
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If you find yourself not wanting to risk losing this piece during an auction, we will entertain Buy It Now offers. However, we will not accept any offers in the 24 hours prior to an auction ending. Please message us with your best offer, and if accepted, we will add a Buy It Now option to this piece for you.