Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Angelskin Coral Cluster Earrings

Description

We have similar Coral and Retro items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in a separate listing, please visit our store and search "Coral" or "Retro" under our auction items.
Item Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
"14k" on the backings,
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
12.5 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Angelskin coral
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Diameter:
16.04 mm & 16.38 mm
Depth
: 7.15 mm & 7.33 mm
Color:
opaque blush pink hue with faint lighter pink striations
Accent Stone:
--
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Stone Treatment:
The coral 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:
Round cabochon coral
Earring Style:
Cluster
Earring Backing Style:
Posts and omega backings. Your local jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears:
Pierced
Item Measurements:
Length:
0.79" & 0.80"
Width:
0.76" & 0.77"
Depth:
0.53" and 0.60" (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 angelskin coral stones. The use of such eye-catching, large 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 and Katharine Hepburn.
Each large angelskin coral stone to each earring features a lovely blush pink hue and is opaque, allowing for beautiful display of its hue and its lighter pink shades. These coral stones would have been hand-harvested off the coast of China before being polished to show off their lovely hues. The round cabochon cut angelskin coral rest in fancy yellow gold prong settings, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold a beautiful contrast to the paler hues of the coral. Beautiful curving feather motifs surround the stones
, making them impossible to miss in classic Hollywood Regency style.
Completing the earrings are 14k yellow gold posts and omega backings, making them suitable for pierced ears. The generous amount of 14k yellow gold in the earrings gives them an impressive item weight value of 5. A classic example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, these earrings would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection. Don't miss your chance to preserve this piece of cultural history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. There is minor patina on some areas of the yellow gold, which gives the earrings an antique quality we believe is quite lovely.
*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.
Angelskin coral varies in color with white, pink, and orange hues and is a type of precious coral. Angel skin coral is harvested from the South China and East China seas, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. During the Art Deco period, only the richest of the rich could afford to have this form of coral harvested and imported to Europe and North America to be made into jewelry.
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.
If you find yourself not wanting to risk losing this piece during an auction, we will entertain Buy It Now offers. However, we will not accept any offers in the 24 hours prior to an auction ending. Please message us with your best offer, and if accepted, we will add a Buy It Now option to this piece for you.