Antique Vintage Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Baltic Amber Beaded Dangle Earrings

Description

We have similar Amber and Retro items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Amber" or "Retro" under our auction items.
Item Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 -1950
Markings:
Unmarked,
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
4.2 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold earrings
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Baltic amber
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Diameter:
3.56 mm to 13.08 mm
Color:
semi-translucent deep orange hue with darker natural orange 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 beads
Earring Style:
Dangle
Earring Backing Style:
Shepherd's crook 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:
1.57" & 1.59"
Width:
0.51"
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature
stunning Baltic amber stones
.
The use of such eye-catching, colorful stones in these earrings is an excellent example of the Hollywood Regency style, which grew to popularity during the Retro period. Eager to show off their wealth and style, Hollywood celebrities and socialites would adorn themselves with glamorous jewelry, usually featuring gorgeous stones and dramatic, bold designs. These earrings were made in the style of Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and Tiffany designs that were influencing the Hollywood Regency style, making the viewer think of the likes of Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn.
Each earring features two Baltic amber stones, each of which contains a deep orange hue. The stones are also semi-translucent, allowing light to filter through their bodies and illuminate their natural internal inclusions of deeper orange hues; please reference the fifth photo provided as part of this listing for a staged example of the stones' semi-translucency. The stones were expertly carved into round beads  which beautifully display the stones' hues. The smaller beads were drilled through the center and set on 14k yellow gold wire, while the larger stones are set beneath yellow gold scalloped designs, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold a striking contrast to the deeper hue of the stones. With these large Baltic amber stones swaying when worn, these earrings are impossible to miss.
The earrings are completed with 14k yellow gold shepherd's crook backings for secure wear on pierced ears.
A classic example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, 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 natural pitting to the exterior of the larger stones in some areas; however, this does not affect wear and would be difficult to see when worn.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
Retro jewelry refers to pieces created in the 1940s and 1950s. This was a period during which jewelry designers were largely influenced by the changes stemming from World War II. These designs reflect an infusion of futuristic vision with elements inspired by preceding periods, encompassing a variety of gemstones, shapes, and materials. Materials used commonly in Retro jewelry are gold, gold alloys, and silver as the wartime put a restriction on the use of platinum. Designs can be masculine, geometric and modern, or softer, more feminine and floral.
The Hollywood Regency style came into fashion during the 1930s, ushered along by the Golden Age of Hollywood. This style was heralded by bright, contrasting colors and modernization of the opulence of Baroque styles, featuring a deliberately frivolous extravagance that screamed glitz and glamour. “Big girls need big diamonds” was taken to heart, and the gorgeous Hollywood stars decked themselves appropriately, with blindingly glittering jewels to showcase their lives of luxury.
Baltic amber is found only in northern Europe and accounts for much of the known amber in the world. Amber is an organic fossilized resin that is formed when sap exudes from pine trees and hardens over many years. It typically contains an internal matrix of materials, including water or gas bubbles, organic plant matter, or even insects. Baltic amber specifically comes from sap that is 35 to 50 million years old and came from trees that are now covered by the Baltic Sea. It has been used since ancient times to create jewelry and decorative ornaments, and has long been used in folk medicine for its healing properties.
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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