Antique Vintage Mid Century 950 Sterling Silver Modernist Sodalite Earrings 4.4g

Description

We have similar Mid Century and Modernist items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Century" and "Modern" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Age Circa
:
Mid Century C. 1935 - 1965
Markings
: "950" on the back of the earrings, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin
: Unknown
Brand
: Unknown
Gram Weight
: 4.4 grams
Metal Type
: .950 sterling silver
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Sodalite
Main Stone Measurements/Color
:
Diameter:
11.65 mm and 12.06 mm
Depth:
2.61 mm
Color:
opaque deep blue hue with a mottling of lighter blue and white hues throughout
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
: Carved and polished cabochon
Item Measurements
:
Length:
1,72"
Width:
0.67"
Earring Style
: Dangle earrings
Earring Backing Style
: Posts with butterfly backings. Your 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 in the Mid Century era in the Modernist style
Composed of .950 sterling silver
Each earring features a single sodalite stone with a deep blue hue and a mottling of lighter blue and white hues
The stones rest securely in bezel settings
Surrounding the settings on each side is a curving linear motif which ends in a silver bead in Modernist style
A linear motif also curves away from the earring at the top of the piece
Completed with posts and butterfly backings for wear with pierced ears
Damage
: Age appropriate wear. One of the stones has a very thin fissure on one side; however, the stone is still secure, and this does not affect wear. There is light tarnish in some areas on the sterling silver, giving the earrings a lovely antique quality.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Mid-Century era, 1935 to 1965, encompassed many new styles of art and architecture and this carried over to jewelry making. This exciting time for jewelry saw movements such as Hollywood Regency, Modernism, Brutalism, and the Atomic Age. Native American artisans were also making their mark in the jewelry industry. Artisans used many kinds of metals, gemstones, glass, and experimented with ceramic and wood as well. This era was filled with new and innovative designs, while also rejuvenating and reinventing older styles. The unique jewelry which emerged from this era is still very popular today.
The Mid-Century Modern style became a movement in art and jewelry in the 1940s, right after World War II, and peaked in the 1950s. The use of multi-colored metals became very popular due to wartime restrictions on certain materials; it was not uncommon to have brass, copper or gold-alloy accents with silver backgrounds. Mid-century Modernism is marked by clean lines and bold, abstract geometric shapes.
Sodalite is a rich blue ornamental mineral originally discovered in Greenland during the early 1800s, and is named for its high sodium content. Sodalite is usually opaque, and comes in all shades of blue, often with speckles or veins of white. Similar in color to lapis lazuli, uniformly royal blue sodalite is usually used as cabochons or beads. Sodalite can also be found in grey, yellow, green, or pink.
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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