Antique Vintage Deco Sterling Silver Gold German NONNENMANN Butterfly Earrings

Description

We have similar German 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 "German" or "Deco" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Product Listing by: Cait P.
The Piece
Age Circa
: Art Deco C. 1920 - 1940
Markings
: "Sterling German WN" on the backs of the earrings, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin
: Germany
Brand
: Willi Nonnenmann
Gram Weight
: 5.8 grams
Metal Type
: .925 sterling silver with a yellow gold wash
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Marcasite
Main Stone Measurements/Color
:
Diameter:
1.15 mm
Color:
sparkly, grey 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
: Rose cut
Item Measurements
:
Length:
0.85"
Width:
0.90"
Earring Style
: Cluster
Earring Backing Style
: Clip-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 in Germany by Willi Nonnenmann
Composed of .925 sterling silver with a yellow gold wash
Each earring consists of a butterfly motif adorned with curling filigree patterns and sparkly marcasites
Clip-on backings complete the earrings, making them suitable for both pierced and non-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 specifically cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would often take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.
Marcasite was a very popular stone during the Art Deco period. Marcasite is meticulously hand-cut from pieces of iron pyrite and perfectly faceted to reflect the light. Marcasite is pale yellow or white with a bright luster, but tarnishes to a brown color. During the wild, Gatsby-style parties, ladies’ jewelry could be seen sparkling from across the room.
Filigree metalworking is a delicate form of art and has been found as early as 3,000 BC in Mesopotamia. It was perfected by the Phoenicians and Etruscan civilizations between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC. It involves stamping out a design in metal and hand bending and twirling threads, combined with tiny beads, until a final motif emerges. It is reminiscent of lace and considered one of the most difficult metalworking processes. Filigree is still a very popular technique in India and Asia.
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.