Antique Vintage Art Deco Mid Century 14k Yellow Gold Black Onyx Garnet Earrings

Description

These Earrings are part of a set with a matching pendant, which we also have up for auction this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Onyx pendant" under our auction items.
Item Description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Mid Century C. 1935 - 1965
Markings:
unmarked, tested
, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
11.6 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
0.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Onyx
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight
: 17.08 carats total
Diameter:
13.70 mm
Depth:
6.36 mm
Color:
opaque black hue
Accent Stone:
Almandine garnet
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
0.98 carats
Length:
3.60 mm
Width:
4.96 mm
Depth:
2.63 mm
Color:
semi-translucent red hues
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
Earring Style:
Cluster
Earring Backing Style:
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:
1.43"
Width:
0.94"
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Mid Century era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature beautifully carved onyx and almandine garnet stones and an Etruscan design. The inclusion of such beautiful stones with their striking hue in these earrings is an excellent example of the bold and creative styles that dominated jewelry making during the Mid Century era. This time period saw jewelers create jewelry using unusual or uncommon stones, as well as incorporating new designs and re-purposing those from the past to craft entirely new pieces of jewelry.
Each earring features a large onyx stone which contains a deep black hue. The stones' dramatic hue is beautiful, displayed by the rounded shape of the stones. The stones rest on yellow gold bezel settings, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold is a lovely contrast to the deep black of the onyx. There is also an almandine garnet stone on each earring, displaying beautiful red hues. Each stone is an oval cabochon shape which displays is beautiful semi-translucent hues. The garnets also rest securely in yellow gold bezel settings, which complement the red hues. The earrings both have Etruscan style motifs, with a beautiful line and swirl designs. The earrings are all made using puffy techniques, which give the earrings their three-dimensional design.
Completing the earrings are 14k yellow gold omega backings, which makes them suitable for pierced ears. A classic example of the bold jewelry styles popular during the Mid Century 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. The garnet stones have some visible jewelry glue on them.
*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
.
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.
Puffy jewelry is a name given to hollow repousse pieces, typically little heart charms. Puffy hearts came into fashion in the late 1800s and were popular until the 1950s. Today, puffy jewelry is highly sought after, but very rare to find because they were difficult to make in the first place and were easily damaged due to their hollow cores.
Onyx is a chalcedony quartz gemstone that is found all over the world. It usually has a fine texture and black color; however, some onyx also displays colored bands or ribbons against a black or brown background. Red onyx is quite rare and desirable and is also known as sardonyx. Onyx that has a deep green shade is known as Brazilian green onyx and is very rare. It became a popular stone for sculpture and jewelry in the 1920s and 1930s. The name comes from the Greek word onyx which means nail of a finger or claw. The word onyx comes from the Greek word "ὄνυξ" which can be translated as "nail of a finger or claw." In Greco-Roman myth, the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite, lay sleeping when Eros cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. Because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them into stone which later became known as onyx.
Bohemian garnet is a transparent or translucent mineral of a dark red hue. Bohemian garnets were mined starting in the 16th century in the Bohemian Hills of Czechoslovakia. During the Victorian and Art Deco eras, this type of garnet reached a height of popularity. There are no known mines in existence today, which has made the remaining stones highly coveted.
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
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