Antique Vintage Mid Century 14k Gold Seaman Schepps Style Baroque Pearl Earrings

Description

We have similar Pearl 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 "Pearl" 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:
"14k GF" and unidentified geometric mark on the backings, earrings are 14k gold, tested
, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
13.7 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold earrings, 14k gold filled over base metal replacement backings
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Baroque pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Length:
21.39 mm & 22.10 mm
Width:
15.94 mm & 16.2 mm
Color:
lustrous cream hue
Accent Stone:
Turquoise, white quartz
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
Turquoise:
0.50 carats total, 3.87 mm diameter, 2.25 mm depth, opaque blue hue with black spiderwebbing
White quartz:
0.16 carats total, 3 mm diameter, 1.8 mm depth, translucent, colorless hue
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:
Naturally off-round and polished pearls, round cut white quartz, round cabochon turquoise
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:
1.51"
Width:
0.63" & 0.64"
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Mid Century era. Composed of 14k yellow gold with 14k yellow gold filled replacement backings, the earrings feature stunning baroque pearls, turquoise, and white quartz stones, as well as a design inspired by Seaman Schepps. The bold design of these earrings were inspired by similar pieces created by famed Retro and Mid Century jeweler Seaman Schepps. Schepps' designs often features marine motifs and huge pearl stones, which perfectly suited the bold styles that rose to prominence during the time period.
The inclusion of such eye-catching stones in these earrings
is also 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 a beautiful, gigantic baroque pearl, each with a striking white hue and gorgeous luster which appears as light plays over the pearls' faces. These pearls would have been hand-harvested before being polished to best display their hues.
In Seaman Schepps style, each pearl was adorned with two 14k yellow gold accents which hold turquoise and white quartz stones. The turquoise, which contain bright blues and black spiderwebbing, feature round cabochon cuts, while the white quartz stones were cleaved into round faceted cuts for lovely sparkle. Both the turquoise and the quartz rest in 14k yellow gold settings, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold an especially lovely contrast to the translucent, colorless hue of the white quartz stones.
Completing the earrings are 14k yellow gold filled over base metal shepherd's crook backings, which makes them suitable for pierced ears.
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. The 14k yellow gold filled over base metal backings appear to be a replacement from later in the earrings' history, but this does not affect wear. There is also minor natural pitting to the pearls, which does not affect wear. There is a small amount of jewelry adhesive visible beneath the settings of the turquoise and white quartz stones, but this would not be immediately noticeable when worn.
*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
.
Turquoise is found all over the world and has been a popular semi-precious stone used in jewelry and art for thousands of years by many different cultures; from prehistoric times to the present. Turquoise comes in many beautiful color variations; from the popular bright solid sky-blue hues to dark blue hues with dark spiderwebbing throughout, as well as aqua, teal, and many green varieties, and even some rare white with dark spiderwebbing.
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral found in the Earth’s crust. The name is derived from the German term “quarz” and originated from the Slavic word meaning hard. It is known to be one of the hardest minerals on earth which is why it has been historically utilized in making jewelry. Quartz gemstones are hard, durable and extremely attractive. The stones can come in a variety of colors and hues. Quartz is an inexpensive mineral, while some varieties can be extremely rare, most varieties and sizes are commonly available. It has been used for centuries in the creation of jewelry and other ornamental objects. Quartz is an extremely versatile material that can be cut and carved into many shapes and sizes which has made it an asset historical and antique jewelry. Today, quartz is one of the most important gemstones in the colored stone trade and in jewelry making.
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
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