Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 18k Gold Cornflower Blue Sapphire Beaded Necklace

Description

We have similar Sapphire 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 "Sapphire" or "Retro" under our auction items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings
: "750" on the clasp, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
5 grams
Metal Type:
18k yellow gold
Metal Melt Value:
0.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Sapphire
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
approximately 8.16 carats
Length:
2.44 mm to 3.16 mm
Width
: 2.35 mm to 3.10 mm
Depth
: 1.06 mm to 2.05 mm
Color:
semi-translucent cornflower 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:
Carved and polished rounded beads
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
16.31"
Closure/Clasp Type:
Lobster clasp
Link Type:
Sapphire beads on fancy chain links
Pendant Type:
--
Notable Features:
This necklace was handmade in the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 18k yellow gold, the necklace showcases beautiful cornflower blue sapphire stones.
The use of so many rare, colorful stones in the necklace is an excellent 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 during this time would adorn themselves with glamorous jewelry, usually featuring large and beautiful stones. This necklace was made in the style of Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Tiffany designs that influenced the Hollywood Regency style, making the viewer think of the likes of Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn.
There are sixty-eight rare sapphire beads strung on this necklace, all of which are a unique cornflower blue in hue. After being carved into rounded beads and polished to display this gorgeous hue, the sapphire were strung on 18k yellow gold chain links, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold a lovely contrast to the blue hues of the sapphire. Each fancy beaded link is connected to the next, creating a lovely, fluid strand of stones.
The necklace is completed with a 18k yellow gold lobster clasp. When worn, the necklace rests against the collarbone on most people. Each glamorous, eye-catching element of this necklace combines to make a classic
example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, and the necklace would be very much at home gracing the neck of a starlet during Hollywood's Golden Age. This necklace would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection, so don't miss your chance to preserve this piece of cultural history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. There minor wear and small dents to several stones, which does not affect wear and would not be immediately noticeable when worn.
*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.
Sapphires are one of the four precious gemstones and have been prized for their rarity and beauty for centuries. Sapphires are one of the two varieties of corundum, the other being ruby. Sapphires are usually a deep blue in color but can also occur in other “fancy” colors of white, yellow, grey, green, and orange hues. The only color a sapphire cannot be is red. The Ancient Persians believed that the sky was painted blue by the reflection of the sun on sapphire stones, and many rulers and religions have used this stone to denote status and sanctity.
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.