Antique Vintage Nouveau 18k Gold Mediterranean Coral Star Dangle Repair Earrings

Description

We have similar Coral and Art Nouveau items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search “Coral” and “Nouveau” under our auction items.
Item Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
$1,000 – $2,000
Age Circa:
Art Nouveau C. 1890 – 1910
Markings:
“Italy K18” on the backs of the earrings, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Italy
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
6.6 grams
Metal Type:
18k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
$280.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
—
Main Stone:
Mediterranean red coral
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Length:
10.88 mm to 11.96 mm
Width
: 3.86 mm to 4.86 mm
Color:
opaque salmon-pink 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 coral
Earring Style:
Drop/dangle
Earring Backing Style:
Hinged hook 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:
2.04″
Width:
0.56″
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Art Nouveau era in Italy. Composed of 18k yellow gold, the earrings feature stunning Mediterranean coral stones. The use of the natural coral in this piece is an excellent example of the styles of jewelry popular during this time period, which saw jewelers turning away from the more elaborate and ornate jewelry designs of the preceding Victorian era and toward simpler, sophisticated jewelry inspired by the wonder and beauty of nature. Stones like coral were especially popular due to their associations with natural beauty.
Each earring features three beautiful Mediterranean red coral stones, each of which would have been hand-harvested from the Mediterranean sea being imported to be made into jewelry, indicating that these earrings belonged to a wealthy socialite who could afford the costs associated with the stones. Each coral stone is a brilliant salmon-pink in hue, with this hue beautifully displayed by their polished, teardrop-shaped cuts. The coral stones in each earring were carefully drilled through the center and strung on chain links, dangling from a triangular, fluted yellow gold design. This design dangles from a star motif, this naturalistic motif popular during the Nouveau period.
Completing the earrings are hinged hook backings which makes them suitable for pierced ears, following the repair of one earring’s backing
. A classic example of the jewelry styles popular during the Art Nouveau era, 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. The backing has broken off of one earring and will need to be attached via laser welding; this can be accomplished by your local jeweler in order for the earring to be worn. There is minor natural pitting to the coral stones. There is what appears to a small tan area of grime on one earring, which can likely be removed with a cleaning.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Nouveau era, 1890-1910, was also called “La Belle Epoque” in French, which translates to “A Beautiful Time.”  This was very true due to the gorgeous designs that came out of this period.  This era focused on women and the beauty of nature and the pieces were often large. Enamel was a common material used in Art Nouveau jewelry as the period was more about the importance of the design over the materials used to create it. The Art Nouveau period happened before the start of the first World War, when mass manufacturing took over the production of many products, including some jewelry.
Mediterranean Red coral grows on rocky sea bottom with low sedimentation, typically in dark environments—either in the depths or in dark caverns or crevices. The original species, C. rubrum (formerly Gorgonia nobilis), is found mainly in the Mediterranean Sea.
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.
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.