Antique Vintage Nouveau 14k Gold Filled GF Sweetheart Paste Enamel Earrings 2g

Description

We have similar Paste and Art Nouveau items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Paste" or "Nouveau" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Age Circa
: Art Nouveau C. 1890 - 1910
Markings
: Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin
: Unknown
Brand
: Unknown
Gram Weight
: 2 grams
Metal Type
: 14k yellow gold filled over base metal
Material
: Guilloche enamel
Main Stone
: Paste
Main Stone Measurements/Color
:
Diameter:
2.65 mm
Color:
translucent, sparkling hue
Accent Stone
: --
Accent Stone Measurements/Color
: --
Stone Treatment:
Paste is a manufactured stone. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts
: Round cut
Item Measurements
:
Length:
0.40"
Width:
0.40
Earring Style
: Stud
Earring Backing Style
: Posts with butterfly backings. Your jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears
: Pierced
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Art Nouveau era
Composed of 14k yellow gold filled over base metal
Features stunning paste stones with translucent, colorless hues
The stones rest in bezel settings in the center of the earrings' square faces
Four heart-shaped motifs, adorned with hand-applied blue Guilloche enamel, surround the stones
Bright green Guilloche enamel decorates the sides and backs of the earrings
Completed with posts and butterfly backings which makes them suitable for pierced ears
Damage
: Age appropriate wear. There are two chips from the corners of each earring; this does not affect wear and is not immediately noticeable when worn. The price has been reduced to reflect this.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Nouveau era, 1890-1910, was also called "La Belle Epoque" in French, which translates to "A Beautiful Time.”
This was very true due to the gorgeous designs that came out of this period.  This era focused on women and the beauty of nature and the pieces were often large. Enamel was a common material used in Art Nouveau jewelry as the period was more about the importance of the design over the materials used to create it. The Art Nouveau period happened before the start of the first World War, when mass manufacturing took over the production of many products, including some jewelry.
Sweetheart jewelry was an intensely romantic and patriotic fashion that began with World War I and remained through the end of World War II. Soldiers would gift these pieces of jewelry to their wives and sweethearts who remained at home while they were fighting overseas. Many materials and metals were rationed during the great wars, so these pieces were made of alternative materials, such as wood or plastic. Silver was not a rationed material, and was used to create higher quality pieces. This type of jewelry was a reminder and a promise to fighting soldiers all over the world.
French jeweler Georges Frédéric Strass created “paste” as an alternative to diamonds during the Georgian era. Leaded glass was cut and polished with a metallic powder until it shimmered brightly like a diamond in the light. These white “diamante” or “strass” stones were wildly popular with the glamorous Parisians, and eventually paste stones were colored to mimic other precious gemstones.
The Guilloche method of enameling starts with an etched metal base, usually a highly intricate and repeating geometrical pattern, that is then finished with a translucent to semi-translucent enamel to highlight the carved details underneath to show through and add a metallic luster to the piece. Originally Guilloche bases were hand carved, but that changed during the 18th century with the invention of turn engine machinery that could carve metal patterns. In modern times, the definition of Guilloche became a blanket term for various methods of surface alteration; engraved, printed, or otherwise created. It also came to incorporate carvings which were not necessarily repetitive or geometric. A famous example of this style was explored by Peter Carl Faberge on his eggs during the 19th century. Cartier, Boucheron, and Tiffany all followed suit, creating stunning pieces which are still in high demand today.
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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