Antique Vintage Art Deco Mid Century 14k Gold South Sea Pearl Diamond Bracelet

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: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Mid Century C. 1935 - 1965
Markings:
"14k" and an unidentified maker's mark (KGH) on the clasp, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
KGH
Gram Weight:
31.2 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
-- (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
Silk string
Main Stone:
South sea pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Diameter:
7.67 mm to 9.05 mm
Color:
lustrous cream hues
Accent Stone:
Peridot, diamond
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
Peridot:
0.02 carats, 1.7 mm diameter, 1.05 mm depth, semi-translucent green hue
Diamond
: 0.01 carats, 1 mm diameter, colorless, eye-clear hue
Antique diamond measurements do not correlate to modern diamond carat weight estimation guides, as older 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:
Naturally rounded and polished pearls, round cut peridot and diamond
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
6.5"
Width
: 0.68" (both strands)
Bracelet Type:
Beaded
Closure/Clasp Type:
Box clasp
Link Type:
Pearls on silk string
Notable Features:
This bracelet was handmade during the Mid Century era. Composed of a 14k yellow gold adorned with a peridot and diamond, the bracelet contains two strands of silk string upon which South Sea pearls were strung.
Eye-catching stones like these were very fashionable during the Mid Century era which saw jewelers creating pieces with unique and unusual stones, incorporating them into new bold designs, as well as designs based on popular fashion from the past.
Thirty-three Tahitian pearl beads adorn the bracelet
, each of which would have been hand-harvested off the southern coast of China before being imported to be made into jewelry. The pearls are cream in hue and display a stunning luster as light reflects off their off-round bodies from different angles and intensities. After being drilled through the middle and polished, the pearls were strung by hand onto two strands of white silk string, the jeweler taking care to double-knot the silk string between each bead to prevent damage from friction or the loss of beads in case of a break. The pearls were also strung in a graduated fashion, stylish during this time period, with the largest pearls near the center of each strand.
The 14k yellow gold clasp is adorned with one peridot and one sparkling diamond. With a bright green hue and round cut for lovely sparkle, the peridot contrasts beautifully with the vivid yellow gold. The single-point, round cut diamond features an eye-clear, translucent hue, and sparkles gorgeously when it catches the light. The clasp itself contains a textured finish, adding a lovely touch of detail to the design.
Completing the bracelet is the 14k yellow gold box clasp, the vibrancy of the gold a lovely contrast to the cooler cream hues of the pearls. A classic example of the styles of jewelry popular during the Mid Century era, 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. There is a minor chip from the face of the peridot stone, but the stone remains secure and this 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.
South Sea saltwater pearls during the Art Deco era would have just started being imported from China into the western world. South Sea saltwater pearls have long been considered some of the finest pearls in the world and were usually reserved for the best pieces of jewelry. South Sea saltwater pearls are large and luminous and can come in overtones of pink, green, and blue.
Peridot, unlike many other stones, occurs only in one color. Its olive-green hue varies depending on the percentage of iron contained within. Peridot hues have been seen varying from yellow, olive, and brownish-green. Very rarely does peridot occur in a pure medium-dark green with no secondary yellow hue or brown mask.
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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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.
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