Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 14k Rose Gold Etruscan Nephrite Dangle Earrings

Description

We have similar Retro
and
Etruscan
items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Retro"
or
"Etruscan"
under our auction items.
Item Description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
Unmarked,
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
9.2 grams
Metal Type:
14k rose gold
Item Weight Value:
0.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Nephrite
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat Weight:
Approximately 6.42
Length:
3.36mm -  9.75mm
Width:
3.33 mm -  7.77 mm
Depth:
2.01 mm
Color:
Semi translucent green 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 cabochon
Earring Style:
Drop/dangle
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:
1.46"
Width
: 0.64"
Depth
: 0.29"
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k rose gold, the earrings feature beautiful nephrite stones and an Etruscan style design. Part of the larger Archaeological Revival movement, the Etruscan Revival began in the 1830s following the discovery of ancient Etruscan sites outside of Rome. Inspired by the jewelry discovered at these sites, jewelers began to incorporate motifs and techniques that appeared in Etruscan jewelry into their own work, with intricate gold designs being especially popular. The influence of the ancient Etruscans on the work of jewelers would continue throughout the 19th century and into the 20th century.
Etruscan-inspired pieces were very popular amongst Grand Tour travelers visiting the Mediterranean. A rite of passage for the wealthy during the Art Nouveau era, a Grand Tour was an opportunity for a young aristocrat to travel to other countries to learn more about their histories, cultures, and art. To remember their experiences, travelers would often purchase jewelry that reflected the history and artistic styles of the cultures and countries they visited.
Each earring features one nephrite stone to represent the center of a flower and eleven small ones to represent petals. The semi-translucent stones allow for their hues to be brilliantly displayed. The stones rest in a secure bezel setting surrounded by a rope motif border, the vibrant hue of the rose gold a beautiful contrast to the vivid green hue of the stones. The nephrite stones are attached by rose gold hoop links which allow them to dangle. The earrings have a geometric shape with an Etruscan style cut-out design in the middle.
The 14k rose gold earrings are smooth and polished for a lovely shine when worn. Completing the earrings are omega backings for secure wear on pierced ears. A classic example of Etruscan Revival jewelry from the Retro period, this pair of earrings would make an excellent addition to any antique jewelry collection. Don't miss your chance to preserve this piece of cultural history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear.
*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.
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.
The Grand Tour was a popular vacation during the Georgian and Victorian eras. This vacation was generally between two and four years long, and it allowed wealthy people the opportunity to study different cultures, architecture, and art. During this vacation, travelers would pick up pieces of jewelry, which allowed the introduction of techniques and styles such as cameos, mosaics, and pietra dura to be introduced into popular jewelry styles.
Jade is one of the oldest and most important gemstones, with a history dating over 7,000 years. Nephrite is more common than jadeite and although it is slightly softer than jadeite, it is considered tougher due to its denser structure. Nephrite was derived from the Greek word for kidney because it was thought that it could cure kidney disease. Up until around 1863, Nephrite was believed to be the same as Jadeite. Nephrite can be distinguished from Jadeite from its lower level of translucency and luster. Traditional Chinese jade typically refers to nephrite since there are no actual jadeite deposits located in China. Nephrite jade was used mostly in pre-1800 China, and is rare to see today. Green nephrite is considered the most valuable nephrite, but translucent, white nephrite was considered the most valuable up until the introduction of fine Imperial jadeite jade during the 18th century.
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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