Antique Vintage Deco 14k Gold Chinese Saltwater Akoya Pearl 2 Strand Bracelet

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 585" on the clasp, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
China
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
19 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
$-- (value all-inclusive clasp weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Saltwater Akoya pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Diameter:
6.07 mm to 6.51 mm
Color:
lustrous white 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 rounded and polished pearl
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
7.37"
Width:
0.48" (both strands)
Bracelet Type:
Tennis bracelet
Closure/Clasp Type:
Push-in locking tab clasp with safety catch
Link Type:
Akoya pearls on silk string
Notable Features:
This bracelet was handmade during the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the bracelet features beautiful saltwater Akoya pearl beads strung on two strands of silk string
.
The Chinese Hanzi character adorning the yellow gold clasp suggests that this is a rare piece of Chinese export jewelry
. 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 this bracelet were very expensive and highly desirable.
There are twenty-five saltwater Akoya pearls strung on this bracelet which, as the name suggests, were hand-harvested off the coast of Japan before being imported to be made into jewelry. Each pearl is white in hue and displays a stunning luster as light reflects off the stones from different angles. After being drilled through the middle and polished, the round beads were strung by hand on two strands of white silk string, the jeweler taking care to double-knot the silk string between each bead to prevent damage from friction and the loss of beads in case of a break. Two 14k yellow gold spacing bars also adorn the strands, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold a gorgeous contrast to the cool white hues of the pearls.
The two strands are connected to a 14k yellow gold clasp adorned with the stylized Hanzi character "福," which can be translated as a blessing for prosperity and good fortune.
A classic example of Chinese export jewelry from the Art Deco era, 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 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.
Akoya saltwater pearls are cultured from the Akoya oyster and can be found primarily in Japan and China. They are known for their beautiful round shape and exquisite luster that sets them apart from many other types of pearls. They are usually white or cream in color but can have rose or silver undertones. During the Art Deco era, Akoya pearls were rare, expensive to own, and reserved for the richest of the rich.
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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