Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Swiss Blue Topaz Drop Earrings

Description

We have similar Topaz 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 "Topaz" or "Retro" under our auction items.
Listing description by: Cait P.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
"14k" and an unidentified maker's mark (RCE) on the lever backings,
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
RCE
Gram Weight:
1.5 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Swiss blue topaz
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Total carat weight:
2.34 carats
Length:
7.95 mm
Width:
6.1 mm
Depth:
3.4 mm
Color:
semi-translucent vibrant 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:
Oval cut
Earring Style:
Drop/dangle
Earring Backing Style:
Lever backings. Your local jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears:
Pierced
Item Measurements:
Length:
0.55"
Width:
0.20"
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature beautiful Swiss blue topaz stones.
The use of such colorful stones
in these earrings is an excellent example of the Hollywood Regency style, which grew to popularity during the Retro period. Eager to show off their wealth and style, Hollywood celebrities and socialites would adorn themselves with glamorous jewelry, usually featuring gorgeous stones and dramatic, bold designs. 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.
Each earring features a beautiful Swiss blue topaz stone which displays the vibrant blue hue so prized in this variety of topaz. The stones are also semi-translucent, which allows light to filter through their bodies and illuminate their color while reflecting off their oval cut facets with eye-catching sparkle and shimmer. To keep the stones secure, they rest in yellow gold prong settings, the vibrancy of the gold a lovely contrast to the cool blue topaz.
The earrings are completed with lever backings which make them suitable for pierced ears.
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.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
Retro jewelry was produced during the 1940s and 1950s and was representative of the bold and changing world that emerged from the Second World War. Retro jewelry is not only illustrative of the energetic and modernizing styles of the 40s and 50s, but it incorporated the elegance and luxury of jewelry styles past. Retro jewelry can frequently be found composed of bright gold, gold alloys, and silver as the wartime put a restriction on the use of platinum. These designs are vibrant and beautiful and are a gorgeous example of the style of the rapidly evolving world.
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.
Topaz is found naturally in a wide range of hues, which can include colorless, light semi-translucent hues, or even deeply vibrant hues along the color spectrum. While topaz can be treated for color, most of the topaz in antique and vintage jewelry is untreated given the extent of hues found naturally around 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 + .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.
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.