Antique Vintage Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Carved Lapis Lazuli Cluster Earrings

Description

We have similar Lapis Lazuli and Retro items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search “Lapis” or “Retro” under our auction items.
Item Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
$1,000 – $2,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 -1950
Markings:
“14k” on the butterfly backings,
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
4.2 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
$145.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
—
Main Stone:
Lapis lazuli
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
11.19 carats
Diameter:
11.94 mm & 11.96 mm
Depth:
5.09 mm & 5.28 mm
Color:
opaque deep blue hue with mottled lighter and darker blue hues, grey hues, and gold-hued speckling
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 round cabochon
Earring Style:
Cluster
Earring Backing Style:
Posts 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:
Diameter:
0.64″
Depth:
0.68″ & 0.69″
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature
stunning l
apis lazuli stones.
The use of such eye-catching, colorful stones in these earrings is an excellent example of the Hollywood Regency style, which grew to popularity during the Retro period. Eager to show off their wealth and style, Hollywood celebrities and socialites would adorn themselves with glamorous jewelry, usually featuring gorgeous stones and dramatic, bold designs. These earrings were 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 earring features a huge lapis lazuli stone which contains a deep blue hue and displays the gold speckling so prized in this variety of stone. The stones were expertly carved into oval, domed cabochons which beautifully display the stones’ lighter and darker blue and grey hues. Yellow gold bezel settings securely hold the stones, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold a striking contrast to the deeper, cooler hue of the lapis lazuli. Eye-catching rounded linear designs surround these settings, making the earrings impossible to miss.
The earrings are completed with 14k yellow gold posts and butterfly backings for secure wear on 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. There are minor dents to the yellow gold edges of the earrings, which does not affect wear and would not be immediately noticeable when worn. The price has been reduced to reflect this.
*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.
Prized for its intense blue hue and unique gold speckling, lapis lazuli has been mined since approximately 7000 BC. Some of the oldest and finest lapis lazuli mines can be found in Afghanistan, particularly in the Badakhshan province, where several mines are still in operation. From the Indus Valley Civilization to the ancient Egyptians and artists of Medieval Europe, lapis lazuli has been a highly prized and sought after stone. Popular not only in jewelry, lapis lazuli was also ground into powder by Renaissance artists, who used it to create the expensive ultramarine blue pigment used in oil paintings. Throughout human history, lapis lazuli has been carved and crafted into stoneware, jewelry, and other decorative items. Its rich blue pigment and eye-catching gold speckling make the stone highly prized in antique and modern jewelry alike.
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 + $2.00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for free
BIN Items:
FREE
Base Shipping:
USPS
First Class
: $8.00 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS
Priority Mail
: $12.00 fully insured, estimated 2-3 business days
USPS
Priority Express
: $25.00 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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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.