Antique Vintage Deco Retro Style 14k White Gold Tahitian Pearl Pendant Necklace

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
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Listing description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Vintage Retro style
Markings
: "14kT", "ITALY" and an unidentified maker's mark on the spring ring clasp
, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Italy
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
2.5 grams
Metal Type:
14k white gold
Item Weight Value:
.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Tahitian pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Diameter:
8.28 mm
Color:
lustrous gray 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
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
17.5"
Chain width:
1.25 mm
Pendant measurements:
0.64" long, 0.32" wide
Closure/Clasp Type:
Spring ring clasp
Link Type:
Cable chain
Pendant Type:
Drop pendant
Notable Features:
This necklace was handmade in the style of the Retro period of the Art Deco era in Italy. Composed of 14k white gold, the necklace features a beautiful gray Tahitian pearl pendant. The use of such eye-catching, valuable stones in this piece 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. This pendant 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.
There is a single sizeable Tahitian pearl to the pendant, featuring a unique blue-grey hue. This rare pearl would have been hand-harvested from French Polynesia before being imported to be made into jewelry, indicating that this necklace belonged to a wealthy aristocrat who could afford the costs associated with the stone. When light reflects from its naturally rounded body, the pearl displays a stunning luster that draws the eye to the necklace. The pearl was carefully polished to best display this luster before being set on an 14k white gold cap setting, the vibrant tone of the white gold contrasting beautifully with the grey hue of the pearl.
The pendant is attached to a white gold cable link chain completed with a spring ring clasp. When worn, the necklace sits below the collarbone in the collar style on most people.  A classic modern example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, this pendant necklace 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
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.
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
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