Antique Vintage Art Deco 14k Gold Chinese Carved Salmon Coral Dangle Earrings

Description

We have similar Chinese and Art Deco items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week.
To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Chinese" or "Deco" under our auction items.
Listing description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Art Deco C. 1920 - 1940
Markings:
"14k" and unidentified maker's mark (L) on the backings, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
China
Brand:
L
Gram Weight:
3.7 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Salmon coral
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Diameter:
6.48 mm to 8.1 mm
Depth:
2.34 mm to 3.72 mm
Color:
opaque salmon-pink hue
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 rounded disk beads
Earring Style:
Drop/dangle
Earring Backing Style:
Shepherd's crook 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:
1.58" & 1.62"
Width:
0.31"
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature stunning carved salmon coral stones and yellow gold bead.
The flawless carving of the salmon coral is a stunning example of the expertise of Chinese stone cutters, who were revered for their meticulous and detailed work with a variety of stones, especially coral and jadeite. Since the Victorian era, wealthy Europeans had been custom ordering jewelry from China as Chinese jewelers were considered some of the best in the world. The process of ordering, making and receiving a Chinese export piece could take months at a time, so pieces like these earrings were very expensive and highly desirable.
Each earring features five salmon coral stones which were carved by hand into round disk beads. The stones are a vivid salmon-pink in hue and opaque, allowing for beautiful display of this hue.
The beads were carefully cleaved through the center and strung on yellow gold wire, the vibrancy of the gold a lovely contrast to the vivid pink of the salmon coral. Between each salmon coral stone rests a 14k yellow gold spacing bead, adding visual interest to the piece.
Completing the earrings are shepherd's crook backings which makes them suitable for pierced ears.
A classic example of Chinese export jewelry from the Art Deco era, 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 are minor dents to several of the yellow gold beads, which does not affect wear. There is also minor natural pitting on some of the salmon coral stones; this does not affect wear, and the stones remain secure. A gentle cleaning with warm water and mild soap can remove a light build-up of grime on several stones.
*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.
Chinese export jewelry became popular during the late Victorian period and persisted until the 1960s. During this period, Chinese craftsmen were considered by far the best in the world. The rich and wealthy would custom-order a piece through their local jeweler, who would send the design off to China to be made and sent back to Europe. This lengthy process was very expensive, making Chinese export pieces highly desirable, then and now.
Chinese stone cutters were considered some of the finest artisans in the world. They would spend years learning to hand-carve many different types of stones and excelled in creating finely detailed pieces other artisans couldn’t even hope to compare to. Their skill was so refined that they could even carve delicate stones like coral and jade. Chinese stone cutters were so talented that Victorian era European socialites would commission pieces from them, preferring the hefty price tag that came with such high-quality work to the ready availability of Western stonework.
Salmon coral is harvested almost exclusively in the Mediterranean off the coasts of Italy, France, Spain, Algeria, and Tunisia. Salmon coral has widely been valued as the rarest and most beautiful of all coral types. During the Victorian era only the richest of the rich could afford to have this form of coral harvested and imported into Europe and North America.
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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