Antique Vintage Art Deco Mid Century 18k Yellow Gold Sapphire Dangle Earrings

Description

We have similar Sapphire 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 "Sapphire" or "Mid Century"
under our auction items.
Item Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Mid Century C. 1935 - 1965
Markings:
"18k" and unidentified geometric maker's mark on the backs of the earrings, "18k " on the butterfly backings, tested
, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
7.3 grams
Metal Type:
18k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Sapphire
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight
: approximately 12.40 carats total
Diameter:
4.72 mm to 7.06 mm
Depth:
2.98 mm to 4.42 mm
Color:
semi-translucent cornflower blue hue with lighter blue inclusions
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:
Carved and polished round sapphire beads
Earring Style:
Dangle
Earring Backing Style:
Posts with butterfly 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:
1.58" & 1.6"
Width:
0.53"
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Mid Century era. Composed of 18k yellow gold, the earrings feature beautiful carved sapphire stones.
The inclusion of such beautiful stones with their striking hue 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 five large sapphires stone, with all ten stones measuring a cumulative carat weight of 12.4 carats. These lovely sapphires contain cornflower blue hues with lighter blue inclusions, which are highlighted when light shines through the stones' semi-translucent bodies. Please reference the fifth photo provided as part of this listing as a staged example of the stones' semi-translucency.
The stones rest on yellow gold wire settings, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold a lovely contrast to the blue hues of the sapphire. Four smaller sapphire beads dangle from a larger bead, providing eye-catching swaying movement and making the earrings impossible to miss.
All of the stones dangle from large circular motifs with a raised design and textured finish, adding geometric style to the piece. Completing the earrings are 18k yellow gold posts with butterfly backings, which makes them suitable for pierced ears. The generous amount of 18k yellow gold used in the earrings gives them an impressive item weight value of 5.
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. There is minor wear to the faces of several sapphire stones, but this is not immediately noticeable when worn and does not affect wear.
*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
.
Sapphires are one of the four precious gemstones and have been prized for their rarity and beauty for centuries. Sapphires are one of the two varieties of corundum, the other being ruby. Sapphires are usually a deep blue in color but can also occur in other “fancy” colors of white, yellow, grey, green, and orange hues. The only color a sapphire cannot be is red. The Ancient Persians believed that the sky was painted blue by the reflection of the sun on sapphire stones, and many rulers and religions have used this stone to denote status and sanctity.
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.
PayPal only. After 4 days of non-payment, an automated unpaid item case will be opened by our eBay system. If you need extra time for payment, please contact us prior to bidding.
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.