Antique Vintage Art Deco Sterling Silver Siamese Niello Enamel Cluster Earrings

Description

We have similar Siamese and Niello Enamel items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Siamese" or "Niello" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Cait P.
The Piece
Age Circa:
Art Deco C. 1920 - 1940
Markings:
Siam Sterling on the backs of the earrings,
Tested, and Guaranteed
Country of Origin
: Siam (now Thailand)
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
10.1 Grams
Metal Type:
.925 Sterling Silver
Material:
Niello Enamel
Main Stone:
--
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Accent Stone:
--
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Stone Treatment:
--
Stone Cuts:
--
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:
The earrings measure 1.0" in length and 0.7" wide.
Notable Features:
Handmade during the Art Deco era in Siam (modern-day Thailand)
Each earring features a sterling silver chased figure wearing traditional Thai clothing
The remainder of the earrings' faces are painted with white niello enamel
Clip-on backings make these earrings suitable for both pierced and non-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.
Niello is a method of enameling that uses a durable, powdered metal-sulfur alloy to create a high contrast surface decoration. Powdered niello is inlaid on engraved or etched metal, usually silver, and heated until it melts to fill the engraved lines. As it cools, it blackens and fuses to the metal. The piece is then polished, revealing lines of black etched into the bright silver. This process was popularized in Russia during the Victorian and Art Nouveau eras, and adapted by the Thai. In Thai jewelry, the process was reversed; the background of the piece was carved down to create a high relief design, and niello inlay was used to fill in the background. The earliest examples of niello enameling were found on bronze daggers in Greece, circa 1550 BC.
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.