Antique Vintage Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold South Sea Pearl Beaded Necklace

Description

We have similar Pearl 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 "Pearl" or "Retro" under our auction items.
Listing Description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
"14k" and unidentified pictorial maker's mark
on the clasp, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
25.71 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
-- (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
Silk string
Main Stone:
South Sea pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
length:
5.47 mm to 10.18 mm
Width:
5.15 mm to 10.14 mm
Color:
lustrous Cream 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 off-rounded and polished pearls
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
18"
Closure/Clasp Type:
Scalloped clasp
Link Type:
South Sea pearls on silk string
Pendant Type
:
--
Notable Features:
This necklace was handmade during the Retro era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the necklace consists of a silk string with graduated cream South Sea pearls. The use of such unique, lustrous pearls in this necklace 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 necklace 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 are sixty-seven South Sea pearls strung on this necklace, each of which would have been hand-harvested off the southern coast of China before being imported to be made into jewelry. Each off-round pearl is cream in hue and displays a stunning luster as light moves across the pearl. After being drilled through the middle and polished, the pearls were strung by hand on a white silk string by graduated size, ensuring the biggest stones remain the focal point of the piece. The jeweler also took care to double-knot the string between each bead to prevent damage from friction and the loss of beads in case of a break. At the middle of the necklace is a huge pearl, and then the pearls graduated in size.
The necklace is completed with a 14k yellow gold scalloped clasp, the vibrant yellow gold a lovely contrast to the cream hue of the South Sea pearls. When worn, the necklace dangles past the collarbone to rest against the décolletage on most people. A classic example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, this 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 ap
propriately, with blindingly glittering jewels to showcase their lives of luxury.
South Sea saltwater pearls during the Art Deco era would have just started being imported from China into the western world. South Sea saltwater pearls have long been considered some of the finest pearls in the world and were usually reserved for the best pieces of jewelry. South Sea saltwater pearls are large and luminous and can come in overtones of pink, green, and blue.
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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