Antique Vintage Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Amethyst Briolette Dangle Earrings

Description

We have similar Amethyst 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 "Amethyst" 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 backings of the earrings, tested
, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
5.3 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
0.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Amethyst
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carats:
approximately 16.88 total carats
Length:
8.34 mm to 10.34 mm
Width
: 5.7 mm to 10.11 mm
Depth
: 5.58 mm to 6.61 mm
Color:
semi-translucent deep purple hue with inclusions of lighter purple hues
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:
Briolette cut and fancy pear cut
Item Measurements:
Length:
3.23"
Width:
0.39"
Earring Style:
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
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Retro period. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature beautiful amethyst stones with elegant briolette cuts. The overall use of the sparkling, large amethyst stones with their dramatic deep purple hues are hallmarks of the glamorous Retro period.
Eager to show off their wealth and style, Hollywood celebrities and socialites during this time would adorn themselves with elaborate jewelry, usually featuring valuable, large stones. These earrings were inspired by 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.
There are a total of ten amethyst stones to the earrings, each with a gorgeous deep purple hue. The stones are semi-translucent, allowing light to filter through their bodies and illuminate their natural lighter purple inclusions
. The stones' pear-shaped and briolette cuts provide lovely sparkle when the stones catch the light. Each of the amethyst stones were drilled through with a small hole at the top and set on yellow gold wire links, the vivid hue of the yellow gold a beautiful contrast to the deeper purple hues of the amethyst.
The stones dangle from several varying heights in each earring, providing eye-catching swaying movement when worn. With these colorful, sparkling stones, these impossible-to-miss earrings would have been the perfect accessory for a socialite at a Hollywood party.
The earrings are completed with 14k yellow gold shepherd's crook backings, making them suitable for pierced ears. A lovely example of the Hollywood Regency style of the Retro period, these earrings would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection. Don't miss your chance to become a part of these earrings' history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. There are internal stress lines within several stones that would have been created as the stones were forming; the stones are completely secure and this does not affect 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 specially cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would usually take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.
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.
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.
Amethysts are a semi-precious variety of quartz that are valued for their varying shades of translucent purple hues. The purple color is derived from iron and other trace element deposits. Throughout antiquity, amethysts were used in religious and royal jewelry, and were considered as valuable as rubies, emeralds, and even sapphires.
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
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