Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 18k Gold Persian Turquoise Figural Bee Pin Brooch

Description

We have similar Figural 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 "Figural" or "Retro" under our auction items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
5.8 grams
Metal Type:
18k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Persian turquoise
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
4.63 carats
Length:
11.39 mm
Width
: 9.74 mm
Depth:
5.72 mm
Color:
opaque robin egg's blue hue with mottled lighter blue hues
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:
Oval cabochon
Item Measurements:
Length:
1.32"
Width:
0.88"
Depth:
0.46"
Pin/Brooch Style:
Brooch, hat pin, lapel pin, scarf pin, tie pin
Closure Type:
Pin stem with locking "c" 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 during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 18k yellow gold, the brooch features a large, rare Persian turquoise stone and the motif of a figural bee. The use of such a colorful, valuable stone and the eye-catching motif
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 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, Vivien Leigh, and Katharine Hepburn.
The brooch features the likeness of a charming figural bee, with curving antenna, six legs, and a realistic, rounded thorax for realistic detail. Adorning the brooch is a large Persian turquoise stone, which serves as the bee motif's abdomen. The Persian turquoise is a bright robin egg's blue hue with mottled lighter blue hues, beautifully displayed by the stones oval cabochon cut. The turquoise rests in yellow gold four-prong setting, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold contrasting beautifully with the cooler blue hue of the Persian turquoise. Above the Persian turquoise is the 18k yellow gold bee's wings, which contain a Florentine finish, a series of etched, cross-hatched lines, for lovely texture.
Completing the brooch is a pin stem with a locking "c" clasp, allowing it to be worn on a variety of accessories, including hats, scarves, and lapels, among many others. The generous use of 18k yellow gold gives this piece an impressive item weight value of 5. A classic example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from 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. The face of the Persian turquoise stone contains minor wear, giving it a matte appearance; this does not affect wear, and the stone can be re-polished by your local jeweler.
*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.
Persian turquoise is a highly coveted stone that has been mined for thousands of years in what is now modern-day Iran. The most coveted type of Persian turquoise is a solid, bright blue hue that is very difficult to find. Antique Persian turquoise was very difficult to source, it had to be shipped across the ocean, which carried a hefty price tag.
The Florentine finish was created and mastered by Italian artists and became popular in jewelry, watches and furniture within the last century. This specialized decorative finish is a crosshatched technique which is engraved into the surface of a precious metal. It is usually applied with a specific hand tool and consists of a series of parallel lines engraved in two directions which are perpendicular to each other. This beautiful finish reduces the reflectivity of metal and the lines are often more deeply incised than the brushed or matte finish methods.
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.