Antique Vintage Art Deco Mid Century 14k Yellow Gold Black Onyx Dangle Earrings

Description

We have similar Onyx 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 "Onyx" 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" and unidentified maker's mark "JF" on the backs of the earrings, "14k" and unidentified maker's mark (E) on the butterfly backings, tested
, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
JF
Gram Weight:
2.8 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
0.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Onyx
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight
: 8.81 carats total
Length:
16.31 mm and 16.71 mm
Width:
6.03 mm and 6.12 mm
Depth:
6.14 mm and 6.14 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 onyx
Earring Style:
Dangle
Earring Backing Style:
Posts with butterfly 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:
1.36" & 1.37"
Width:
0.61" & 0.62"
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Mid Century era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature beautiful carved onyx stones and a geometric design.
The inclusion of such beautiful stones with their striking hue in these earrings is 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 single large onyx stone which contains a deep black hue. The stones' dramatic hue is beautiful displayed by the rounded, teardrop shape of the stones.
The stones rest on yellow gold wire settings, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold a lovely contrast to the deep black of the onyx. The stones dangle inside an open, large teardrop motif, providing eye-catching swaying movement and making the earrings impossible to miss.
Completing the earrings are 14k yellow gold posts with butterfly 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. There is minor wear to one of the onyx stones in one area, which does not affect wear.
*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
.
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.
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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