Antique Vintage Deco Mid Century Style 18k Gold Tanzanite Station Bead Necklace

Description

We have similar Beaded 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 "Bead" or "Mid Century" under our auction items.
Listing description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Vintage Mid Century style
Markings
: "OWC Italy 750" on a chain link, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Italy
Brand:
OWC
Gram Weight:
5.3 grams
Metal Type:
18k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
0.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Tanzanite
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight
: approximately 3.52 carats total
Length:
3.51 mm to 4.18 mm
Width
: 3.61 mm to 3.87 mm
Depth:
1.56 mm to 2.79 mm
Color:
semi-translucent pale blue 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:
Carved and polished rounded beads
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
16
"
Chain width
: 0.84 mm to 2.25 mm
Closure/Clasp Type:
Lobster clasp
Link Type:
Fancy link chain with tanzanite beaded links
Pendant Type:
--
Notable Features:
This necklace was handmade in the style of the Mid Century era. Composed of 18k yellow gold, the necklace features beautiful tanzanite beads in the station style.
The inclusion of so many colorful stones in this necklace is an excellent homage to the bold and creative styles of the Mid Century era, which saw jewelers create jewelry using uncommon and colorful stones, as well as incorporating new designs and re-purposing those from the past to craft entirely new pieces of jewelry
. Markings on the piece indicate it was created by OWC, an Italian jewelry company founded in the 1970s.
The sixteen tanzanite beads to the necklace showcase lovely, semi-translucent pale blue hues. The stones' semi-translucent nature allows for light to filter through the bodies of the stones, illuminating their lovely colors. Each off-round tanzanite bead was carved and polished before being carefully drilled through the center and strung on an 18k yellow gold chain link. The vibrant hue of the yellow gold is a lovely contrast to the paler blue hues of the tanzanite. In the station style, each fancy beaded link is connected to two elongated chain links with rope twist designs. With the lovely stones and bright yellow gold, this necklace is impossible to miss.
This necklace was finished with a 18k yellow gold lobster clasp for secure wear. When worn, the necklace sits just beneath the collarbone on most people. A classic modern tribute to Mid Century jewelry, 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. There are internal stress lines within the stone that would have been created as the stones were forming; the stones are completely secure and this does not affect wear. There is wear to the faces of several beads, which does not affect 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.
Tanzanite is a rare stone which can only be found in the northern region of Tanzania, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Originally called blue zoisite, this blue purple stone was discovered in the 1960’s and given the geographical name tanzanite, to help build interest and popularity. Zoisite comes in a variety of colors, but tanzanite is the specific name given for the blue purple hue of this type. Further laboratory experiments determined that heating could improve the color of some naturally blue zoisite and could convert some naturally brown or green zoisite into beautiful blue zoisite.
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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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.