Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Bead Bracelet

Description

We have similar Retro and
Pearl items, including a matching bracelet 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
"Pearl" under our auction items.
Item description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
"14K" on the clasp, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
9.4 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
-- (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
Silk string
Main Stone:
Tahitian pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
length:
6.20
mm - 6.31 mm
width:
6.18 mm - 6.20 mm
Color:
lustrous grey hue with blue, purple and pink iridescence
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 rounded and polished
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
7.5"
Bracelet Type:
Beaded
Closure/Clasp Type:
Springring
clasp
Link Type:
Pearls on silk string
Notable Features:
This bracelet was handmade during the Retro era. The bracelet features beautiful Tahitian pearls which are strung on a silk string. The use of so many unique and beautiful 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 large and beautiful stones. The 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.
Twenty-eight pearl beads adorn the bracelet which, as the name suggests, would have been harvested off the coast of Tahiti before being imported to be made into jewelry. Each pearl is grey and lustrous with
a stunning blue, purple and pink iridescence that shifts in color as light hits the stones from different angles and intensities. The pearls were all polished and drilled through the middle before being strung on a grey silk string, the jeweler taking care to double knot the silk between each pearl to prevent damage from friction or the loss of beads in the case of break.
Completing the bracelet is a 14k yellow gold spring ring clasp, the vibrancy of the gold a lovely contrast to the cool hues of the Tahitian 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. Some of the pearls do have some minor indents, but it is not noticeable when worn.
*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 ap
propriately, with blindingly glittering jewels to showcase their lives of luxury.
Tahitian pearls are grown in French Polynesia, a group of 5 island archipelagos that covers the size the Europe. These pearls are relatively new to the pearl world, and are highly sought after due to their unique color that is completely natural. Unlike the more common pearl types, Tahitian pearls typically have a naturally dark body color. They are formed from the black lip oyster. These pearls have become some of the most sought after expensive pearls in the world. Because of their vast color range matching these pearls into a finished strand is an enormous task that could require thousands of loose pearls to create a single strand.
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.