Antique Vintage Deco 12k Gold Filled GF Essex Crystal Sagittarius Earrings 5.3g

Description

We have similar Crystal 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 "Crystal" or "Deco" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Age Circa
: Art Deco C. 1920 - 1940
Markings
: "1/20 12k GF Wells" on the back of the earrings, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin
: United States
Brand
: Wells Inc.
Gram Weight
: 5.3 grams
Metal Type
: 1/20 12k yellow gold filled over base metal
Material
: --
Main Stone
:
Essex crystal
Main Stone Measurements/Color
:
Diameter:
13.09 mm
Color:
semi-translucent, iridescent blue-gray hue with gold hues
Accent Stone
: --
Accent Stone Measurements/Color
: --
Stone Treatment:
Essex crystal is a manufactured stone. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts
: Carved reverse intaglio crystal cabochon
Item Measurements
:
Length:
1.04" & 1.05"
Width:
0.55"
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 in the Art Deco era by Wells Inc., a United States jewelry company founded in 1922
These earrings are composed of 1/20 12k yellow gold filled over base metal
Each earring features a unique Essex crystal stone, which is a translucent crystal with an intaglio carving on the reverse of the stone
The intaglio carving, which depicts the centaur that represents the Sagittarius zodiac sign, was hand-painted with iridescent purple-grey hues and gold hues
The earrings are completed with screw-on backings for secure wear on pierced or un-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.
Essex crystal is sometimes referred to as reverse intaglio, since it involves carving into a stone, but this technique has its own unique and rare qualities. It was thought that Queen Victoria named this type of artistry after one of her favorite enamel craftsmen, but the technique was invented by Thomas Cook in 1860s Belgium. The term Essex crystal stayed, and this impressive jewelry style continues to be created and collected around the world.
The process of creating these gorgeous pieces begins with carving a cabochon from real crystal and working from the reverse side, or flat side of the stone. A craftsman would then carve and etch a detailed image or design onto the flat side of the cabochon. They would hand paint the exquisite and intricate detail to complete a beautiful finished product. The most popular types of images are animals, flowers, leaves or nautical items. Many items were custom made or designed for someone by depicting their own animal or natural item on the crystal. These crystals are domed, due to their cabochon shape, which illuminates the design or image.
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.