Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Pink & Green Tourmaline Earrings

Description

These Earrings are part of a set with a matching bracelet and brooch, which we also have up for auction this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search “Tourmaline” under our auction items.
Item Description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
$2,000 – $3,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 – 1950
Markings:
“14k” and pictorial makers mark on the backing of one of the earrings
, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
10 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
$340.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
—
Main Stone:
Tourmaline
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
1.92 carats total
Diameter:
3.43 mm
Depth
: 1.82 mm
Color:
semi-translucent pink and green 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:
Round faceted cut
Earring Style:
Cluster
Earring Backing Style:
Clip 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:
0.72″
Width:
0.43″
Depth:
0.55″ (including backings)
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature beautiful pink and green tourmaline stones in a wing motif. The use of such colorful stones in these earrings 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 eye-catching, expensive stones. These earrings were 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.
A total of sixteen tourmaline stones adorn the earrings. The tourmaline showcases pink and green hues. The tourmaline stones are all semi-translucent, allowing light to filter through their bodies and illuminate their vibrant colors. The tourmaline stones rest securely in yellow gold prong settings, the bright hue of the yellow gold contrasting beautifully with the colorful hues of the tourmaline. The earrings are carved into the likeness of wing motifs, with the stones making up four-line designs inside the wing motif. These colorful stones make the earrings impossible to miss in classic Hollywood Regency style.
Completing the earrings are clip-on backings for secure wear on both pierced and non-pierced ears. The earrings have an impressive weight value of $340. A classic example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, 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 earrings are in need of a gentle cleaning with a gentle soap and water to remove build-up.
*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.
Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone that comes in a wide array of colors and has been fundamental in jewelry for centuries. The Empress Dowager Cixi, the last Empress of China, loved pink tourmaline and bought large quantities of the stone from the Himalaya Mine, located in California, which, along with Maine, was one of the world’s largest tourmaline mines in the world.
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.