Antique Vintage Art Deco Mid Century 14k Yellow Gold Brutalist Amethyst Pendant

Description

We have similar Brutalist 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 "Brutalist" or "Mid Century" under our auction items.
Listing description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Mid Century C. 1935 - 1965
Markings
: Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
7.2 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Amethyst
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
7.41 carats total
Measurements, oval cut amethyst:
6.92 mm to 10.5 mm length, 5.29 mm to 8.37 mm width, 4.12 mm to 6.73 mm depth
Measurements, pear cut:
9.07 mm length, 6.59 mm width, 4.63 mm depth
Color:
semi-translucent bright purple 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:
Pear faceted cut, oval faceted cut
Item Measurements:
Length:
1.45
"
Width:
0.70"
Bale measurements:
4.65 mm long, 2.5 mm wide
Closure/Clasp Type:
Standard bale
Link Type:
--
Pendant Type:
Drop pendant
Notable Features:
This necklace was handmade during the Mid Century era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the necklace features a stunning amethyst pendant, as well as a design inspired by early Brutalism. The Brutalist style first emerged in the later years of the Retro period before rising to prominence during the subsequent Mid Century era. Inspired by the architectural style of the same name, Brutalist jewelry featured bold, dramatic designs that often incorporated organic, freeform designs inspired by the natural world.
The pendant features four beautiful amethyst stones which display bright purple hues. The stones are also semi-translucent, allowing light to filter through their bodies and illuminate their color while reflecting off their oval and pear cut facets with eye-catching sparkle. The amethysts rest securely in yellow gold fancy prong basket settings, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold a striking contrast to the deeper purple hue of the amethysts. These settings contain a textured appearance in classic Brutalist style, and are each connected, creating a clustered appearance. This geometric style and the lovely sparkle of the stones would have been popular during this time period.
This pendant was completed with a standard bale for secure wear on antique chains and necklaces. A classic example of Brutalist jewelry from the Mid Century era, 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. One of the amethyst stones contains minor scratches to its face, while all four amethysts display minor wear to their culets; however, this does not affect wear, and the stones remain secure.
*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.
The Brutalist Style is architectural in origin and arose from the modernist movement of the early 20th century. The name comes from the French word for “raw.” In buildings, it can be noted by the exposed concrete construction, or detailed brickwork and concrete. Jewelry follows in this fashion on a smaller scale, with rough textures and an inherently unpolished look. The edgy, unfinished look to the Brutalist style counters the light, carefree appearance of the 1930s and 1940s art and architecture it was built alongside.
Amethysts are a semi-precious variety of quartz that are valued for their varying shades of translucent purple hues. The purple color is derived from iron and other trace element deposits. Throughout antiquity, amethysts were used in religious and royal jewelry, and were considered as valuable as rubies, emeralds, and even sapphires.
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.