Antique Vintage Deco 12k Gold Filled GF RICHARDS Conch Shell Cameo Earrings 4.9g

Description

We have similar Cameo and Art Deco items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Cameo" or "Deco" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Age Circa
:
Art Deco c. 1920 - 1940
Markings
: "1/20 12k GF W.R.E." on the backings,
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin
: United States
Brand
: W.E. Richards Co.
Gram Weight
: 4.9 grams
Metal Type
: 1/20 12k yellow gold filled over base metal
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Conch shell
Main Stone Measurements/Color
:
Length:
15.87 mm
Width:
11.55 mm
Color:
opaque white and semi-translucent peach hues
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 cameo
Item Measurements
:
Length:
0.76"
Width:
0.62"
Earring Style
: Cluster
Earring Backing Style
: Screw-on backings.
Your jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears
: Both
Notable Features
:
Handmade during the Art Deco era by W.E. Richards Co., a United States jewelry company founded in 1900
Composed of 1/20 12k yellow gold filled over base metal
Features stunning carved conch shell cameos, each depicting women in profile in the style of classical art
Each woman showcases an elaborate hairstyle and robe details
Completed with screw-on backings, which makes them suitable for both pierced and un-pierced ears
Damage
: Age appropriate wear.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Deco era is famous for being the "Gatsby" or "Roaring Twenties" era. A lot of gorgeous and timeless designs in jewelry came out of this period. Jewelry from this period was most often crafted between 1920 and 1940. Art Deco jewelry sometimes featured white gold or platinum, geometric designs, European cut diamonds, filigree, and calibre cut stones that are specially cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would usually take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.
Gold filled jewelry consists of an outer solid gold layer over a metal base, and 5% of its weight should be derived from gold. This solid layer of gold is laid over a base of sterling silver or some other kind of metal to produce a high-quality gold look.
A cameo is an image that has been carved in raised relief by cutting away the background of different materials to create a contrast in height and color. The earliest examples of cameos date back to the 3rd century BC. In antiquity, this was achieved by carving into a single piece of banded agate to reveal the layers of colors, but now it is much more common that cameos are made of two different materials. The most common form of fine jewelry cameo is created by layering a carved white shell on top of a stone of contrasting color with a flat plane. Cameos usually depict a beautiful or famous person in profile, or a mythological figure. The Romans were true artisans when it came to creating these pieces, so there are many Roman cultural influences found in cameos, even to this day. These are true miniature art works.
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.