Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 14k Gold Saltwater Akoya Pearl Spray Pin Brooch

Description

We have similar Pearl 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 "Pearl" or "Retro" under our auction items.
Listing description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
"14k " on the clasp
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
5.9 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
0.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Saltwater Akoya pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Diameter:
5.95 mm
Color:
lustrous cream 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:
Naturally rounded and polished pearls
Item Measurements:
Length:
1.11"
Width:
2.15"
Pin/Brooch Style:
Brooch, hat pin, lapel pin, scarf pin, tie pin
Closure Type:
locking tube clasp
Convertible to Pendant:
If desired, your local jeweler can add a bale to this piece so it can be worn as a pendant.
Notable Features:
This pin brooch was made in the vintage Retro style. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the brooch features beautiful Akoya pearls in a spray style. The use of so many valuable, eye-catching stones
in this brooch
is
an excellent example of the Hollywood Regency style, which grew to popularity during the Retro period.
Eager to show off their wealth and style, Hollywood celebrities and socialites would adorn themselves with glamorous jewelry, usually featuring gorgeous stones and dramatic, bold designs. This brooch was made by Imperial World Inc. and inspired by 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 are ten saltwater Akoya pearls adorning this brooch which, as the name suggests, would have been hand-harvested off the coast of Japan before being imported to be made into jewelry. Each pearl is cream in hue and displays a stunning luster as light reflects off the stones from different angles. Each pearl rest in yellow gold settings, the vibrancy of the gold a lovely contrast to the cream of the pearls.
The pearls adorn a leaf-like motif that fans outward in the spray style. Completing the pin brooch is a pin stem
locking tube
clasp which allows it to be worn on a variety of accessories like hats, scarves, and jacket lapels, among many others.
A lovely modern tribute to the Hollywood Regency jewelry of the Retro period, this brooch 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. Some of the pearls have some surface wear but its not imminently noticeable and does not effect 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.
During the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras, spray style jewelry became immensely popular. Spray jewelry often includes precious stones and metalwork that fans out in multiple directions to create ornate and attention-grabbing sparkle.
Akoya saltwater pearls are cultured from the Akoya oyster and can be found primarily in Japan and China. They are known for their beautiful round shape and exquisite luster that sets them apart from many other types of pearls. They are usually white or cream in color but can have rose or silver undertones. During the Art Deco era, Akoya pearls were rare, expensive to own, and reserved for the richest of the rich.
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.