Antique Vintage Deco Sterling Silver Japanese AMITA Onyx Damascene Earrings 4.6g

Description

We have similar Onyx 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 "Onyx" or "Deco" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Cait P.
The Piece
Age Circa
: Art Deco C. 1920 - 1940
Markings
: "Sterling Amita Japan" on the backs of the earrings, tested, and guaranteed.
Country of Origin
: Japan
Brand
: Amita Co., Ltd.
Gram Weight
: 4.6 grams
Metal Type
: .925 sterling silver
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Onyx
Main Stone Measurements/Color
:
Diameter:
6.85 mm
Color:
opaque black 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
: Carved and polished cabochon
Item Measurements
:
Length:
1.25"
Width:
0.50"
Earring Style
: Drop/dangle
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 in Japan by Amita Co. Ltd, which was known for it damascene jewelry
Composed of .925 sterling silver
Each earring features a black onyx stone from which dangles a damascene accent
The damascene accents feature oxidized silver which gives it a black appearance with a chiseled design depicting blades of grass and flowers which were then topped with a silver foil to make the motifs pop
The earring are completed with screw-on backings, 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.
Onyx is a chalcedony quartz gemstone that is found all over the world. It usually has a fine texture and black color; however, some onyx also displays colored bands or ribbons against a black or brown background. Red onyx is quite rare and desirable and is also known as sardonyx. Onyx that has a deep green shade is known as Brazilian green onyx and is very rare. It became a popular stone for sculpture and jewelry in the 1920s and 1930s. The name comes from the Greek word onyx which means nail of a finger or claw. The word onyx comes from the Greek word "ὄνυξ" which can be translated as "nail of a finger or claw." In Greco-Roman myth, the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite, lay sleeping when Eros cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. Because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them into stone which later became known as onyx.
Damascening is art hand etching an intricate design into a heavily oxidized (blackened) metal and then pressing gold and/or silver into the etched design. The term comes from Damascus, Syria, where artisans are credited with perfecting the process over 2,000 years ago. This technique has a long history in Japan, when it was introduced through the silk trade in the 8th century. Damascene was frequently used to decorate the hilts of weapons. It also became popular in Spain at the same time, when the Moors conquered the country. Vintage Spanish damascene pieces typically show Arabic influenced designs and vintage Japanese pieces usually showcase oriental inspired motifs. By the 1930s, more than half of the damascene items made in Japan were being exported to other countries, mainly England and the United States. The popularity of this style of jewelry lead to a boom in production of damascene items, particularly in Russia, Spain, and many Asian countries.
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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