Antique Vintage Deco Retro Sterling Silver TAXCO Amethyst Cluster Earrings 12.6g

Description

These earrings are part of a set with a matching bracelet, which we also have for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Amethyst" or "Taxco" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
12.6 grams
Metal Type:
.925 sterling silver
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Amethyst
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Diameter:
11.63 mm and 11.87 mm
Depth:
6.69 mm and 6.43 mm
Color:
semi-translucent deep purple hue with lighter purple inclusions
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:
Smooth and polished cabochon
Item Measurements:
Length:
1.0"
Width:
1.0"
Earring Style:
Cluster
Earring Backing Style:
Hook backings. Your local jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears:
Pierced
Notable Features:
Handmade during the Retro period and composed of .925 sterling silver
Created by a talented silversmith in Taxco, Mexico
Each earring features a beautiful amethyst stone with deep purple hues and lighter purple inclusions
The stones showcase cabochon cuts which beautifully display these hues
Each stone rests on an elegant background of repeating scroll motifs
Completed with hook backings for secure wear on pierced ears
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. There is a minor fissure in the face of one stone, but this does not affect wear.
There are internal stress lines within the stone that would have been created as the stones were forming; the stones are completely secure and this does not affect wear.
Tarnish on the sterling silver gives these earrings an antique quality we believe is rather lovely. The
price has been reduced to reflect
this.
*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.
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.
Taxco, Mexico is famous for producing the finest sterling silver jewelry in the world. Taxco has a rich history of silver-making, with the Aztecs being the first to mine and craft sterling silver for adornment and ceremony. In the 1920s, an American artist named William Spratling moved to Taxco. Being inspired by pre-Columbian and Aztec art, Spratling built a successful jewelry business. Many local aspiring artisans started apprenticing under him, and he eventually developed an apprenticeship program, with many famous silversmiths having learned there. The Taxco tradition of silversmithing is still carried on by the local artisan community today.
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.
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Gold: .00 + .00 per additional gold item & silver items combine for free
Silver: .00 + .00 per additional gold item & silver items combine for free
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