Antique Vintage Deco Retro 14k Gold Chinese Momo Coral Beaded Dangle Earrings

Description

We have similar Retro and Coral items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in a separate listing, please visit our store and search "Retro" or "Coral" under our auction items.
Item description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
Unmarked,
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
14.7 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
--
Material:
Silk String
Main Stone:
Momo coral
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
length:
2.9 mm - 4.20 mm
Width:
3.04 mm - 7.78 mm
Color:
opaque bright salmon-pink 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 off round beads
Earring Style:
Drop/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:
2.70"
Width:
0.30"
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature gorgeous Momo coral stones. The use of such colorful, valuable stones in these earrings is an excellent example of the Hollywood Regency style, which grew to popularity during the Retro period. Eager to show off their wealth and style, Hollywood celebrities and socialites would adorn themselves with glamorous jewelry, usually featuring gorgeous stones and dramatic, bold designs. These earrings were made in the style of Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Tiffany designs that were influencing the Hollywood Regency style, making the viewer think of the likes of Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn.
Each earring features three strands of Momo beads. Each bead is unique in size and shape. The Momo coral stone would have been hand-harvested from the Pacific Ocean before being carefully carved into beautiful beads. These stones display an opaque bright salmon-pink hue that is so prized in this variety of coral. The beads were drilled through the middle and polished before being set on a red silk string. The long length of the dangling accents makes the earrings unmissable in classic Hollywood regency fashion.
At the end of each dangle accent is a small yellow gold bead. The warm hues of the gold complement the pink hues of the coral. Completing the earrings are shepherds' crook backings which makes them suitable for pierced ears. 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.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
Retro jewelry was produced during the 1940s and 1950s and was representative of the bold and changing world that emerged from the Second World War. Retro jewelry is not only illustrative of the energetic and modernizing styles of the 40s and 50s, but it incorporated the elegance and luxury of jewelry styles past. Retro jewelry can frequently be found composed of bright gold, gold alloys, and silver as the wartime put a restriction on the use of platinum. These designs are vibrant and beautiful and are a gorgeous example of the style of the rapidly evolving world.
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.
Momo corals come from two species found in the Pacific Ocean. Corallium secundum is found primarily off the coast of northern Taiwan. Its color ranges from medium red to orange to soft reddish pink hues, and sometimes has a fine white grainy pattern. Corallium eliatus is also found near Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines, and its color ranges from intense red to orange to yellowish pastel hues. Momo coral is one the most popular coral types used 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
: 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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