Antique Vintage Art Deco Mid Century 14k Gold Japanese Tahitian Pearl Earrings

Description

We have similar Pearl and Mid Century 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 “Mid Century”
under our auction items.
Item Description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
$1,000 – $2,000
Age Circa:
Mid Century C. 1935 – 1965
Markings:
“14k” and “Japan” on the backings
, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Japan
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
5.4 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
$180.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
—
Main Stone:
Tahitian peacock pearls
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Diameter:
7.01 mm & 8.54 mm
Color:
lustrous, grey-blue hue with a peacock 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 round and polished pearl
Earring Style:
Cluster
Earring Backing Style:
Screw-on backings. Your local jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears:
Both
Item Measurements:
Length:
0.71″
Width:
0.63″
Depth:
0.71″ (including backings)
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Mid Century era in Japan. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature beautiful Tahitian peacock pearls.
The inclusion of such beautiful, lustrous stones in these earrings is an excellent example of the bold and creative styles that dominated jewelry making during the Mid Century era. This time period saw jewelers create jewelry using unusual or uncommon stones, as well as incorporating new designs and re-purposing those from the past to craft entirely new pieces of jewelry.
Each earring contains one large and one smaller Tahitian pearl with a dramatic deep grey-blue hue and a peacock iridescence of green, purple, pink, and blue hues. The round shapes of the stones allow for beautiful display of this iridescence as light reflects off the pearls from different angles. Each pearl would have been hand-harvested off the coast of Tahiti before being imported to be made into jewelry, indicating these earrings belonged to a wealthy socialite who could afford the costs associated with the stones. The pearls rest securely on yellow gold cap settings with bamboo motifs circling around the stones. The vibrant hue of the yellow gold contrasting beautifully with the deeper hues of the pearls.
Completing the earrings are 14k yellow gold screw-on backings, making them suitable for pierced or un-pierced ears. A classic example of the
bold jewelry styles popular during the Mid Century 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.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Mid-Century era, 1935 to 1965, encompassed many new styles of art and architecture and this carried over to jewelry making. This exciting time for jewelry saw movements such as Hollywood Regency, Modernism, Brutalism, and the Atomic Age. Native American artisans were also making their mark in the jewelry industry. Artisans used many kinds of metals, gemstones, glass, and experimented with ceramic and wood as well. This era was filled with new and innovative designs, while also rejuvenating and reinventing older styles. The unique jewelry which emerged from this era is still very popular today
.
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 + $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.