Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 14k Gold Saltwater Akoya Pearl Cluster Earrings

Description

We have similar Pearl and Retro 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 "Retro"
under our auction items.
Item Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro c. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
"14k" and "Pat. 156452" on the backings,
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
13 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Saltwater Akoya pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Diameter:
4.15 mm to 5.85 mm
Color:
lustrous white 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:
Naturally rounded and polished
Earring Style:
Cluster
Earring Backing Style:
Clip-on backings. Your local jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears:
Both
Item Measurements:
Length:
0.87"
Width:
0.80" & 0.82"
Depth
: 0.68" & 0.71" (including backing)
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Retro period. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature lovely saltwater Akoya pearls.
The use of such eye-catching stones in these earrings
is an excellent example of the Hollywood Regency style, which rose to popularity during the Retro period. Eager to show off their wealth and style, Hollywood celebrities and socialites during this time would adorn themselves with glamorous jewelry, usually featuring eye-catching, expensive stones. These earrings were made in the style of Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, & Tiffany designs that were influencing the Hollywood Regency style, making the viewer think of the likes of Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn.
Each cluster earring features nineteen stunning saltwater Akoya pearls, for a total of thirty-eight pearls to the earrings. Each pearl would have been hand-harvested off the coast of Japan before being imported to be made into jewelry. The pearls are white in hue and display a stunning luster as light reflects off their round bodies. The center pearl in each earring is the largest and surrounded by smaller pearls which adorn a rounded dome, giving the earrings a clustered appearance. These pearls were drilled through the center to rest securely on yellow gold wire settings, the vibrancy of the gold a lovely contrast to the bright white hue of the pearls.
The earrings are completed with 14k yellow gold clip-on backings for wear on pierced or un-pierced ears.
The generous amount of 14k yellow gold used in these earrings gives them an impressive item weight value of 5. A classic example of
Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, 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. A gentle cleaning can remove the minor build-up of grime present between some of the pearls.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
Retro jewelry refers to pieces created in the 1940s and 1950s. This was a period during which jewelry designers were largely influenced by the changes stemming from World War II. These designs reflect an infusion of futuristic vision with elements inspired by preceding periods, encompassing a variety of gemstones, shapes, and materials. Materials used commonly in Retro jewelry are gold, gold alloys, and silver as the wartime put a restriction on the use of platinum. Designs can be masculine, geometric and modern, or softer, more feminine and floral.
The Hollywood Regency style came into fashion during the 1930s, ushered along by the Golden Age of Hollywood. This style was heralded by bright, contrasting colors and modernization of the opulence of Baroque styles, featuring a deliberately frivolous extravagance that screamed glitz and glamour. “Big girls need big diamonds” was taken to heart, and the gorgeous Hollywood stars decked themselves appropriately, with blindingly glittering jewels to showcase their lives of luxury.
Akoya saltwater pearls are cultured from the Akoya oyster and can be found primarily in Japan and China. They are known for their beautiful round shape and exquisite luster that sets them apart from many other types of pearls. They are usually white or cream in color but can have rose or silver undertones. During the Art Deco era, Akoya pearls were rare, expensive to own, and reserved for the richest of the rich.
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.
If you find yourself not wanting to risk losing this piece during an auction, we will entertain Buy It Now offers. However, we will not accept any offers in the 24 hours prior to an auction ending. Please message us with your best offer, and if accepted, we will add a Buy It Now option to this piece for you.