Antique Vintage Deco Retro Style 14k Gold Akoya Pearl Emerald Diamond Bracelet

Description

We have similar Retro and Pearl items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Retro" or "Pearl" under our auction items.
Listing Description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000
-
,000
Age Circa:
Vintage Retro style
Markings:
"14k PBD" on the toggle bar, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
39.9 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
-- (value all inclusive weight)
Material:
Silk string
Main Stone:
Saltwater Akoya pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Length:
8.19 mm to 9.74 mm
Width
: 7.87 mm to 11.75 mm
Color:
lustrous white hue
Accent Stone:
Columbian emerald and Diamond
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
Columbian emerald:
0.02 carat weight,
1.64 mm diameter, semi-translucent bright green hues
Diamond
: 0.01 carat weight, 1.32 mm diameter, sparkle clear-eye
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-round and polished, round faceted emerald and diamond
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
6.46"
Bracelet Type:
Beaded
Closure/Clasp Type:
Box clasp
Link Type:
Beads on silk string
Notable Features:
This bracelet was handmade in the style of the Retro period of the Art Deco era. The bracelet consists of a strand of silk upon which graduated saltwater Akoya pearl beads have been strung, as well as a 14k yellow gold clasp with a Columbian emerald and diamond. The use of so many valuable, lustrous pearls in this bracelet is an excellent homage to 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 many colorful precious stones. This bracelet 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.
Thirty-one saltwater Akoya pearls adorn the bracelet, all of which, as the name suggests, would have been hand-harvested off the coast of Japan before being imported to be made into jewelry, indicating that this bracelet belonged to a wealthy socialite who could afford the high price tag. Each pearl is cream in hue, displaying a stunning luster as light hits the stones from different angles. The pearls graduate in size, with the biggest being in the middle and getting smaller towards the clasp. After being drilled through the middle and polished, the pearls were strung on a white silk string.
The box clasp has a Florentine finish and adorned with a Colombian emerald and sparkly diamond.  The two stones are round faceted cut, which allows for a beautiful sparkle as the light hits their facets. Both stones rest in a yellow gold prong setting. The warm hue of the gold complements the sparkles of the diamond and the beautiful green hues of the Colombian emerald. The Box clasp allows for easy, secure, and comfortable wear of the bracelet.
A classic modern tribute to Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, this bracelet 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. Some of the pearls are displaying pealing this is hard to notice until closely inspected.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Deco era is famous for being the "Gatsby" or "Roaring Twenties" era. A lot of gorgeous and timeless designs in jewelry came out of this period. Jewelry from this period was most often crafted between 1920 and 1935. Art Deco jewelry sometimes featured white gold or platinum, geometric designs, European cut diamonds, filigree, and calibre cut stones that are specifically cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would often take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.
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.
Akoya saltwater pearls are cultured from the Akoya oyster and can be found primarily in Japan and China. They are known for their beautiful round shape and exquisite luster that sets them apart from many other types of pearls. They are usually white or cream in color but can have rose or silver undertones. During the Art Deco era, Akoya pearls were rare, expensive to own, and reserved for the richest of the rich.
Colombian Emeralds have been mined for thousands of years. They are considered of the highest quality stones in the world, particularly the stones from the Muzo Mine. It is said that Colombian Emeralds are the purest in the world because they are the only emerald deposits on Earth to be found in sedimentary rock instead of igneous. This type of emerald features a translucent classic green hue with a beautiful, natural internal matrix.
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
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