Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Freshwater Pearl Beaded Bracelet

Description

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Retro
and
Pearl 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"
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Listing Description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000
-
,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
"14K" and unknown pictorial makers mark on the clasp, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
3.8 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
-- (value all inclusive weight)
Material:
Silk string
Main Stone:
Freshwater pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Length:
4.12 mm
Width:
3.44 mm
Color:
lustrous cream 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:
Naturally off round and polished
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
6.75"
Bracelet Type:
Beaded
Closure/Clasp Type:
Fishhook clasp
Link Type:
Beads on silk strings
Notable Features:
This bracelet was handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. The bracelet features freshwater pearls on a silk string and a 14k yellow gold clasp.
The use of so many eye-catching pearls in this bracelet 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 many colorful precious stones. This bracelet was 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 freshwater pearl is cream in hue and displays an intense, eye-catching luster as light hits the stones from different angles. The pearls are off round with each stone having a unique, organic shape. After being polished the pearls were strung on a white silk string.
The strand of pearls are attached to a 14k yellow gold filigree fishhook clasp, the vibrancy of the gold a lovely contrast to the white pearls.
A classic example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, this bracelet 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
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 1935. 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.
Freshwater pearls are a special type of pearl that are created by freshwater mussels and have been used in jewelry as far back as Medieval times. The largest source for natural freshwater pearls at that time was the Holarctic Freshwater Pearl Mussel, which was native to Scotland. This species is now endangered, and most freshwater pearls must be cultured. Unlike cultured saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are not bead-nucleated and are therefore typically less round. Instead of using a bead, a small square of mantle tissue is cut from a donor mussel's inner lining and inserted into the lining of the harvesting mussel to instigate pearl formation. The unique harvesting technique makes freshwater pearls purely composed of nacre. These pearls are valued for their whimsical shapes and wide range of colors. The unique character of freshwater pearls is found in their distinctive texture and the warmth of their luster.
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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