Antique Vintage Deco Retro 18k Gold Moonstone Puffy Teardrop Dangle Earrings

Description

We have similar Retro and Moonstone 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
"Moonstone"
under our auction items.
Item description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
"18K" on both butterfly backings,
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
3.4 grams
Metal Type:
18k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Moonstone
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
6.62 carats
Length:
11.90 mm
Width:
9.31 mm
Depth:
4.17 mm
Color:
semi-translucent with white hues
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:
smoothed and polished teardrop cabochon
Earring Style:
Drop/dangle
Earring Backing Style:
post with butterfly 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:
1.02"
Width:
0.39"
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Retro era. Composed of 18k yellow gold, the earrings feature beautiful moonstone stones.
The use of such eye-catching stones in these earrings
is an excellent homage to 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, & Tiffany designs that were influencing the Hollywood Regency style, making the viewer think of the likes of Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn.
Each earring contains a large moonstone teardrop shape stone, each featuring the lovely vibrant white and light grey hues. The moonstone has been carefully drilled to allow gold wires to be securely put through to give the earring its dangle. The stones are a semi-translucent teardrop cut; this creates a beautiful light grey hue when the light hits them. The top of the earring is made using puffy techniques, which contrasts nicely with the white moonstones.
These stunning dangle earrings are completed with 18k yellow gold post with butterfly backings, making them suitable for pierced ears.
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.
*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.
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.
During the Art Deco and Art Nouveau eras, moonstone jewelry was popularized by designers such as Tiffany and René Lalique. The Romans believed that moonstones were created by the gods from solidified rays of the moon due to the opalescent hue that it gives off that reminds the viewer of the moon peering through a thin layer of
clouds.
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.