Antique Vintage Deco Retro 14k Gold Lapis Lazuli Freshwater Pearl Bead Necklace

Description

We have similar Lapis Lazuli 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 "Lapis" 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 (G) on the clasp, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
G
Gram Weight:
14.8 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Metal Melt Value:
-- (value all-inclusive weight)
Material
: Silk string
Main Stone
: Lapis lazuli
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
approximately 70.98 carats
Diameter:
4.67 mm to 5.12 mm
Color:
opaque deep blue hue with mottled areas of lighter blue and speckled grey and gold hues
Accent Stone:
Freshwater pearl
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
Length:
6.43 mm to 7.13 mm
Width
: 4.86 mm to 5.05 mm
Color:
lustrous white hue
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 round lapis lazuli beads, naturally off-round and polished pearls
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
19.38"
Closure/Clasp Type:
Fishhook clasp
Link Type:
Lapis lazuli and freshwater pearl beads on silk string
Pendant Type:
--
Notable Features:
This necklace was handmade in the Retro period of the Art Deco era. The necklace consists of beautiful lapis lazuli beads, freshwater pearls, and 14k yellow gold beads and clasp.
The use of so many large lapis lazuli stones and lustrous pearls 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 seventy-eight large lapis lazuli beads strung on this necklace, all of which are an opaque deep blue hue with mottled areas of lighter blue and grey hues, as well as the gold speckling prized in variety of stone. The beads are strung on a beautiful dyed blue silk string, with the jewelry carefully tying a double knot between each lapis bead to prevent wear from friction and to ensure the beads remain on the necklace in case of a break
. The blue hue of the string perfectly complements the beads and ensures they remain the focal point of the necklace.
Four beautiful freshwater pearls also adorn the strand, each with a white hue and beautiful luster which appears when light moves across the stones' off-round faces. Each of these pearls would have been hand-harvested before being polished to display their gorgeous luster. Two 14k yellow gold round spacing beads also adorn the strand on each side of every pearl, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold a lovely contrast to the white hues of the pearls.
The necklace is completed with a 14k yellow gold fishhook clasp. When worn, the necklace dangles down the chest to rest against the décolletage 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 are minor dents on several of the yellow gold beads, which does not affect 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.
Prized for its intense blue hue and unique gold speckling, lapis lazuli has been mined since approximately 7000 BC. Some of the oldest and finest lapis lazuli mines can be found in Afghanistan, particularly in the Badakhshan province, where several mines are still in operation. From the Indus Valley Civilization to the ancient Egyptians and artists of Medieval Europe, lapis lazuli has been a highly prized and sought after stone. Popular not only in jewelry, lapis lazuli was also ground into powder by Renaissance artists, who used it to create the expensive ultramarine blue pigment used in oil paintings. Throughout human history, lapis lazuli has been carved and crafted into stoneware, jewelry, and other decorative items. Its rich blue pigment and eye-catching gold speckling make the stone highly prized in antique and modern jewelry alike.
Freshwater pearls are a special type of pearl that are created by freshwater mussels and have been used in jewelry as far back as Medieval times. The largest source for natural freshwater pearls at that time was the Holarctic Freshwater Pearl Mussel, which was native to Scotland. This species is now endangered, and most freshwater pearls must be cultured. Unlike cultured saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are not bead-nucleated and are therefore typically less round. Instead of using a bead, a small square of mantle tissue is cut from a donor mussel's inner lining and inserted into the lining of the harvesting mussel to instigate pearl formation. The unique harvesting technique makes freshwater pearls purely composed of nacre. These pearls are valued for their whimsical shapes and wide range of colors. The unique character of freshwater pearls is found in their distinctive texture and the warmth of their luster.
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