Antique Vintage Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Black Onyx Wreath Cluster Earrings

Description

We have similar Onyx 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 "Onyx" or "Retro"
under our auction items.
Item Description by: Angela A.
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:
4.5 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
0.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Onyx
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
16.96 carats total
Diameter:
14.85 mm
Depth:
5.26 mm & 5.49 mm
Color:
opaque black 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 round 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:
Diameter:
0.81"
Depth:
0.61" & 0.63" (including backings)
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature beautiful, large onyx stones and a wreathed design.
The use of such eye-catching stones in these earrings
is an excellent example of the Hollywood Regency style, which rose to popularity during the Retro period. Eager to show off their wealth and style, Hollywood celebrities and socialites during this time would adorn themselves with glamorous jewelry, usually featuring eye-catching, expensive stones. 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, Vivien Leigh, and Katharine Hepburn.
The single large onyx stone in each earring is black in hue and opaque, their round cabochon cuts beautifully displaying their deep, opaque hues. Resting securely in yellow gold bezel settings, the black onyx stones contrast beautifully with the vibrant hue of the yellow gold. Surrounding the stone is a wreath motif, composed of two twisted linear and rope twist designs. The geometric design of this border makes the earrings impossible to miss.
The earrings are completed with post backings, making them suitable for pierced ears with the addition of butterfly backings. The impressive amount of 14k yellow gold used in the earrings gives them an impressive item weight value of 0.
A classic example of Hollywood Regency jewelry, these earrings would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collections. Don't miss your chance to preserve this piece of cultural history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. These earrings are missing their butterfly backings, which can be purchased from your local jeweler or department store in order to be worn properly.
*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.
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.
Onyx is a chalcedony quartz gemstone that is found all over the world. It usually has a fine texture and black color; however, some onyx also displays colored bands or ribbons against a black or brown background. Red onyx is quite rare and desirable and is also known as sardonyx. Onyx that has a deep green shade is known as Brazilian green onyx and is very rare. It became a popular stone for sculpture and jewelry in the 1920s and 1930s. The name comes from the Greek word onyx which means nail of a finger or claw. The word onyx comes from the Greek word "ὄνυξ" which can be translated as "nail of a finger or claw." In Greco-Roman myth, the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite, lay sleeping when Eros cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. Because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them into stone which later became known as onyx.
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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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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