Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Kashmir Sapphire Diamond Pendant

Description

We have similar Sapphire 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 "Sapphire" or "Retro" under our auction items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings
: Unmarked,
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
3.2 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
0.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Kashmir Sapphire
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
approximately 1.58 carats total
Measurements, round cut sapphires:
3.17 mm diameter, 1.2 mm to 1.73 mm depth
Measurements, marquise cut sapphires:
6.05 mm length, 3.22 mm width, 2.2 mm depth
Color:
semi-translucent deep blue hue
Accent Stone:
Round cut diamond
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
0.20 carats
Diameter:
1.25 mm
Color:
sparky and eye clean
Antiqued diamond measurements do not correspond to modern diamond carat weight estimation guides, as the stones were hand-cleaved and less uniform
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:
Marquise and round cut sapphires, round cut diamonds
Item Measurements:
Length:
1.04"
Width:
0.56" (including bale)
Depth:
0.30"
Bale opening measurements:
4.5 mm length, 1.85 mm width
Closure/Clasp Type:
Standard bale
Link Type:
--
Pendant Type:
Drop pendant
Notable Features:
This pendant was handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the pendant features many beautiful Kashmir sapphire stones and sparkling diamonds.
The use of such colorful, rare stones in this necklace is a classic 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 would adorn themselves with glamorous jewelry featuring bold, colorful 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.
The total of thirteen Kashmir sapphire stones each feature the deep blue hue prized in this variety of sapphire. Each sapphire is semi-translucent, allowing light to filter through its body and illuminate its striking color. The center of the pendant holds a single sapphire with a marquise faceted cut, and this stone rests in a yellow gold prong setting, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold a stunning contrast to the deeper blue sapphire. This setting also raises the Kashmir sapphire above the other two tiers of diamond and Kashmir sapphire stones. Ten diamonds adorn the second tier, each with a colorless, translucent hue. With round cuts, the diamonds contribute to the pendant's brilliant sparkle. Like the sapphire, the diamonds rest in yellow gold prong settings. The remaining tier of the marquise-shaped pendant holds twelve round cut Kashmir sapphires, which contrast beautifully with the diamonds. The
brilliant sparkle of this piece would have made it the perfect accessory for a Hollywood starlet at a cocktail party.
The pendant is completed with a 14k yellow gold standard bale that allows it to be worn on antique chains or necklaces.
A classic example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, this pendant 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 pendant could use a gentle cleaning with warm water and mild soap to remove a minor build-up of grime.
*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.
Sapphires are one of the four precious gemstones and have been prized for their rarity and beauty for centuries. Sapphires are one of the two varieties of corundum, the other being ruby. Sapphires are usually a deep blue in color but can also occur in other “fancy” colors of white, yellow, grey, green, and orange hues. The only color a sapphire cannot be is red. The Ancient Persians believed that the sky was painted blue by the reflection of the sun on sapphire stones, and many rulers and religions have used this stone to denote status and sanctity.
Diamond is derived from the Greek word, “adamas,” which means “unbreakable.” Diamonds are extremely rare, with the earliest diamonds being discovered in India around the 4th century BC and being traded along the Silk Road; the trade route between India and China. During the latter half of the 18th century, diamonds were discovered in South Africa. Diamonds are renowned for their strength and brilliance of color and ability to reflect and disperse light. This is what gives them such a brilliant sparkle. Colors range in blue, yellow, brown, green, purple, pink, orange, and red; the less color a diamond has, the higher its grade is. Diamonds range from 1 billion to 3.5 billion years old, and because of their age and qualities, have become the symbol for love across many cultures.
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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