Antique Vintage Nouveau Sterling Silver Lapis Lazuli Bird of Paradise Earrings

Description

We have similar Lapis Lazuli and Art Nouveau items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Lapis Lazuli" or "Nouveau" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Age Circa
: Art Nouveau C. 1890 - 1910
Markings
: Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin
: Unknown
Brand
: Unknown
Gram Weight
: 6.1 grams
Metal Type
: .925 sterling silver
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Lapis lazuli
Main Stone Measurements/Color
:
Length:
10.35 mm
Width:
8.02 mm
Depth:
2.04 mm and 3.18 mm
Color:
Opaque deep blue hues with with mottled white hues and gold speckling
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:
2.47" (from top of backing to bottom)
Width:
0.58"
Depth:
0.13" and 0.16"
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:
These earrings were handmade during the Art Nouveau era, influenced by Etruscan design, and composed of .925 sterling silver
Each earring features a gorgeous lapis lazuli stone with a deep blue hue, mottled white hues, and prized gold speckling
In Etrsucan style, the bezel settings of the stones are adorned with rope twist designs, and the earrings contain rosette motifs
Above the stones is the motif of a bird of paradise, a popular symbol of the natural world during this time
Completed with shepherd's crook backings for secure wear on pierced ears
Damage
: Age appropriate wear. Tarnish is present along the silver of the earrings, this can easily be polished by a local jeweler or with warm water and soap. 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 Nouveau era, 1890-1910, was also called "La Belle Epoque" in French, which translates to "A Beautiful Time.”
This was very true due to the gorgeous designs that came out of this period.  This era focused on women and the beauty of nature and the pieces were often large. Enamel was a common material used in Art Nouveau jewelry as the period was more about the importance of the design over the materials used to create it. The Art Nouveau period happened before the start of the first World War, when mass manufacturing took over the production of many products, including some jewelry.
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.
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.
PayPal only. After 4 days of non-payment, an automated unpaid item case will be opened by our eBay system. If you need extra time for payment, please contact us prior to bidding.