Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Topaz Diamond Lavaliere Necklace

Description

We have similar Topaz, Diamond, 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," "Diamond," or "Retro" under our auction items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings
: "14k" and unidentified maker's mark "VIP" on the back of the pendant, "14k" and "PAT 4697315" on the clasp,
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
VIP
Gram Weight:
6.6 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold, 14k white gold topped diamond settings
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Topaz
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
5.14 carats
Length:
13.87 mm
Width:
9.14 mm
Depth:
6.34 mm
Color:
semi-translucent bright blue hue
Accent Stone:
Round cut diamond
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
0.06 carats total
Diameter:
2.3 mm
Color:
sparky and eye clean
Antiqued diamond measurements do not correspond to modern diamond carat weight estimation guides, as the 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:
Pear faceted cut topaz, round cut diamonds
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
16.81"
Pendant measurements:
1.13" length, 1.08" width, 0.22" depth
Bale opening:
2.41 mm diameter
Closure/Clasp Type:
Standard bale, box clasp with safety catch
Link Type:
Bismarck link chain
Pendant Type:
Lavaliere pendant
Notable Features:
This pendant was handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow and white gold, the necklace features a beautiful topaz stone and a sparkly diamond in the lavaliere style.
The use of such colorful and sparkling stones in this necklace is a classic example of the Hollywood Regency style, which rose to popularity during the Retro period. Eager to show off their wealth and style, Hollywood celebrities and socialites would adorn themselves with glamorous jewelry featuring bold, colorful stones. The necklace 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.
There is a single large topaz stone to the pendant which features a bright blue hue. The stone is semi-translucent, allowing light to filter through its body and illuminate its striking hues. With a pear faceted cut, this topaz provides beautiful sparkle to the necklace. The topaz rests in a yellow gold prong basket setting, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold a beautiful contrast to the cooler, vivid hue of the topaz. Above the topaz, a single diamond adorns the pendant, showcasing a colorless, translucent hue. This round cut diamond rests in white gold topped prong settings which complements the clear hue of the diamond. The colorful topaz and sparkling diamond make this pendant the perfect accessory for a Hollywood starlet at a cocktail party.
The diamond and topaz dangle from a flowing linear motif in the lavaliere style. The pendant was strung on a 14k yellow gold Bismarck link chain that was completed with a box clasp and safety catch for secure wear. The generous amount of 14k yellow gold used in the necklace gives it an impressive item weight value of 5.
A classic example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, this pendant 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 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.
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.
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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Auction Items:
Base shipping + .00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for free
BIN Items:
FREE
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USPS
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: .00 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS
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USPS
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: .00 fully insured, overnight delivery
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