Antique Vintage Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Australian Fire Opal Cluster Earrings

Description

We have similar Opal 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 "Opal" 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" on the butterfly backings,
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
7.3 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
0.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Australian fire opal
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
approximately 1.64 carats total
Measurements, round cabochon:
3.88 mm and 3.91 mm diameter, 1.05 mm and 1.25 mm depth
Measurements, pear-shaped cabochon:
4.56 mm to 5.33 mm length, 2.95 mm to 3.57 mm width, 0.74 mm to 1.31 mm depth
Color:
semi-translucent milky white hue with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, and purple fire
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:
Polished round and pear-shaped cabochon
Earring Style:
Cluster
Earring Backing Style:
Post 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:
0.71" & 0.72"
Width:
0.67" and 0.68"
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature stunning Australian fire opals.
T
he 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 a total of seventeen Australian fire opals which, as the name suggests, would have been mined in Australia before being imported to be made into jewelry. The opals are white in hue and semi-translucent, allowing light to filter through their bodies and illuminate their flashes of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, and purple fire. The stones rest securely in 14k yellow gold prong settings, the vibrancy of the gold a lovely contrast to the milky white base hue of the opals. The center round cabochon cut opals also rest in suspended prong settings which raises them above the pear-shaped cabochon stones which surround them. A twisted linear wire motif adorns the base of the center stones, adding geometric style.
Completing the earrings are posts and butterfly backings, making 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. There is minor patina on some areas of the yellow gold, which does not affect wear. A gentle cleaning with warm water and mild soap can remove the light build-up of grime present on several stones.
*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.
Discovered in the second half of the 19th century in Australia, fire opals rose to popularity amongst the aristocracy of the Victorian era, both within Australia and beyond. Queen Victoria herself was well-known for her appreciation of the stone, owning an entire collection of jewelry featuring the stunning stone. Mined in Australia and exported to the rest of the world, this new variety of opal was available to only the wealthiest of aristocrats.
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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