Antique Vintage Deco Sterling Silver Etruscan Lapis Lazuli Akoya Pearl Earrings

Description

We have similar Etruscan, Lapis Lazuli, and Art Deco items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Etruscan," "Lapis Lazuli," or "Deco" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Age Circa
: Art Deco C. 1920 - 1940
Markings
: "925" and faded maker's mark on back of earrings, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin
: Unknown
Brand
: Unknown
Gram Weight
: 4.3 grams
Metal Type
: .925 sterling silver
Material
: --
Main Stone
:
Lapis lazuli
Main Stone Measurements/Color
:
Length:
9.07 mm
Width:
7.34 mm
Depth:
4.95 mm
Color:
opaque deep blue with mottled darker and lighter blue shades and gold speckling
Accent Stone
: Akoya pearl
Accent Stone Measurements/Color
:
Diameter:
5.34 mm
Depth:
2
.95 mm
Color:
lustrous white hue
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
: Carved and polished cabochon lapis lazuli, naturally rounded and polished pearl
Item Measurements
:
Length:
1.38"
Width:
0.43"
Depth:
0.21"
Earring Style
: Drop/dangle
Earring Backing Style
: Shepherd's crook backings. Your jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears
: Pierced
Notable Features
:
Handmade in the Art Deco era in the Etruscan Revival style
These earrings are composed of .925 sterling silver
Each earring features a lapis lazuli stone with a deep blue hue and mottled lighter and darker blue shades, as well as the gold-hued speckling prized in this variety of stone
Beneath the lapis lazuli stones rest Akoya pearls, their lustrous white hues contrasting beautifully with the lapis lazuli
Granulated silver beads also adorn the earrings in classic Etruscan Revival style
The earrings are completed with shepherd's crook backings for secure wear on pierced ears
Damage
: Age appropriate wear. There is tarnish on the silver which gives the earrings a lovely antique quality. 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.
Etruscan Revival jewelry was first popularized during the early 1800s when an Etruscan tomb was discovered just outside of Rome. Upon its discovery, jewelers worked to imitate and understand the metalworking techniques with which the jewelry was made. Not only was Etruscan jewelry a luxurious addition to the Victorian styles of the day. But it introduced new ideas and decorations. These Etruscan tombs contained jewelry adorned with long and flowing geometric lines and motifs, mythological imagery and scenery, and celestial elements. The techniques of repoussé, filigree, and granulation are all attributed to the Etruscans.
Prized for its intense blue hue and unique gold speckling, lapis lazuli has been mined since approximately 7000 BC. Some of the oldest and finest lapis lazuli mines can be found in Afghanistan, particularly in the Badakhshan province, where several mines are still in operation. From the Indus Valley Civilization to the ancient Egyptians and artists of Medieval Europe, lapis lazuli has been a highly prized and sought after stone. Popular not only in jewelry, lapis lazuli was also ground into powder by Renaissance artists, who used it to create the expensive ultramarine blue pigment used in oil paintings. Throughout human history, lapis lazuli has been carved and crafted into stoneware, jewelry, and other decorative items. Its rich blue pigment and eye-catching gold speckling make the stone highly prized in antique and modern jewelry alike.
Akoya saltwater pearls are cultured from the Akoya oyster and can be found primarily in Japan and China. They are known for their beautiful round shape and exquisite luster that sets them apart from many other types of pearls. They are usually white or cream in color but can have rose or silver undertones. During the Art Deco era, Akoya pearls were rare, expensive to own, and reserved for the richest of the rich.
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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