Antique Vintage Art Deco Sterling Silver Bedouin Obsidian Festoon Necklace 14.8g

Description

We have similar Bedouin and Deco items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Bedouin" or "Deco" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Age Circa
: Art Deco C. 1920 - 1940
Markings
: Unmarked
, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin
: Unknown
Brand
: Unknown
Gram Weight
: 14.8 grams
Metal Type
: .925 sterling silver
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Obsidian
Main Stone Measurements/Color
:
Length:
17.43 mm to 18.81 mm
Width:
9.77 mm to 10.33 mm
Color:
opaque deep grey hues with white striations
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
: Polished and carved teardrop-shaped obsidian
Item Measurements
:
Wearable length:
16.75"
Chain link width:
2.74 mm
Bead width:
3.5 mm
Center pendant measurements
: 2.08" length including dangles, 0.65" width
Closure/Clasp Type:
Hook and eye clasp
Link Type:
Fancy beaded geometric link chain
Pendant Type
: --
Notable Features:
Handmade in the Art Deco era in the Bedouin style of jewelry
These necklace is composed of .925 sterling silver
Features a strand of fancy beaded chain links that connects to three festoon-style pendants
Each pendant is adorned with a large, teardrop-shaped obsidian stone
These stones showcase deep grey hues with white striations
Large, spoon-like dangles rest beneath the center pendant
Each pendant is connected to the next via a series of four fancy chain links
Completed with a hook and eye clasp for secure wear
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. There are minor scratches to the faces of the three obsidian stones; this does not affect wear and is not immediately noticeable when worn. There is tarnish present on the sterling silver, which gives the piece a lovely antique quality. The price has been reduced to reflect this.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Deco era is famous for being the "Gatsby" or "Roaring Twenties" era. A lot of gorgeous and timeless designs in jewelry came out of this period. Jewelry from this period was most often crafted between 1920 and 1940. Art Deco jewelry sometimes featured white gold or platinum, geometric designs, European cut diamonds, filigree, and calibre cut stones that are specially cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would usually take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.
Antique Turkish, Islamic, and Bedouin jewelry all share similar ancestral and stylistic roots and influenced each other through trade for many, many years. This can largely be attributed to the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, which valued art and craftsmanship and fostered the continuation of Arabic arts and calligraphy. The reign of the Ottomans in the 16th and 17th centuries introduced Turkish designs to Islamic motifs and the nomadic Bedouin culture, melding a range of styles into beautiful arabesques; repeating rhythmic patterns, which often feature geometric floral and organic designs.
A festoon, by definition, is a garland of flowers, ribbons, or leaves hung in a curve as a decorative element or incorporated as an architectural feature. Thus, a necklace must have swags or drapes of chain, beads, or metal findings as part of the design. The festoon necklace became popular during the Georgian period and carried over into the Victorian era, with some more elaborate fashionable (not meant for mourning) black necklaces made during this period incorporating swags of jet beads. Bohemian garnets and other materials were also used. Festoon necklaces were popular during the Edwardian era as well, with a return to more delicate chains in the designs or elements reflecting garland style with ribbons, flowers, and bows.
Obsidian is a naturally occurring black volcanic glass that forms when lava from an eruption cools within the earth. The speed at which it cools prevents crystallization, which means obsidian is hard and brittle, which makes it a very difficult stone to work with. Obsidian can vary in color from dark brown to black based on the impurities found in it.
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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