Antique Vintage Deco Retro Style 14k Gold Chinese Carved Jadeite Jade Earrings

Description

We have similar Chinese 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 "Chinese" or "Retro" under our auction items.
Listing description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
0 - ,000
Age Circa:
Vintage Retro style
Markings:
"14k RGE" on the posts and butterfly backings, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
China
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
1.8 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Jadeite jade
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
5.28 carats total
Length:
9.92 mm and 10.06 mm
Width:
8.06 mm and 8.11 mm
Depth:
3.98 mm and 4.1 mm
Color:
semi-translucent, Grade A, untreated green 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:
Polished oval cabochon
Earring Style:
Stud
Earring Backing Style:
Posts and 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:
0.46" & 0.47"
Width:
0.37" & 0.39"
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade in the style of the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature beautiful jadeite jade stones.
The flawless carving of the jadeite is a stunning modern homage to the expertise of Chinese stone cutters, who were revered for their meticulous and detailed work with a variety of stones, especially jadeite. Since the Victorian era, wealthy Europeans had been custom ordering jewelry from China as Chinese jewelers were considered some of the best in the world. The process of ordering, making and receiving a Chinese export piece could take months at a time, so pieces like these earrings were very expensive and highly desirable. Markings on these earrings indicate they were created by Rare Gems of Earth Inc., a contemporary jewelry company.
Each earring features a large jadeite jade stone, each with a lovely deep green hue with mottled lighter and darker green shades. The stones were carved by hand into oval cabochons which beautifully display these hues. The jadeite jade rests in yellow gold prong settings, the vibrancy of the gold a lovely contrast to the cooler green of the jadeite jade. Each stone is surrounded by a lovely linear border with a twisted design, beautifully framing and emphasizing the stones.
Completing these dangle earrings are posts and butterfly backings, which makes the earrings suitable for both pierced ears.
A classic modern tribute t0 Chinese export jewelry from the Retro period of the Art Deco era, these earrings would make a valuable addition to any 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 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.
Chinese export jewelry became popular during the late Victorian period and persisted until the 1960s. During this period, Chinese craftsmen were considered by far the best in the world. The rich and wealthy would custom-order a piece through their local jeweler, who would send the design off to China to be made and sent back to Europe. This lengthy process was very expensive, making Chinese export pieces highly desirable, then and now.
Chinese stone cutters were considered some of the finest artisans in the world. They would spend years learning to hand-carve many different types of stones and excelled in creating finely detailed pieces other artisans couldn’t even hope to compare to. Their skill was so refined that they could even carve delicate stones like coral and jade. Chinese stone cutters were so talented that Victorian era European socialites would commission pieces from them, preferring the hefty price tag that came with such high-quality work to the ready availability of Western stonework.
It was in China—where the gem-carving tradition was already thousands of years old—that jadeite reached its peak as an important artistic medium. The first jadeite reached China in the late 1700s, and late eighteenth and early nineteenth century carvers created masterpieces that are still unsurpassed in concept, design, and technical
execution. Jadeite is prized for its hardness and density and occurs in green, white, orange, yellow, lavender, red, gray, and black hues. The highest grade of jadeite is translucent and has an even color distribution.
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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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.