Antique Vintage Art Deco 14k Yellow Gold Saltwater Akoya Pearl Beaded Necklace

Description

We have similar Pearl and Art Deco 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 "Deco" under our auction items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Art Deco C. 1920 - 1940
Markings
: "14k" and unidentified maker's mark (PJS) on the clasp, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
PJS
Gram Weight:
22.9 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold clasp
Item Weight Value:
$-- (value all-inclusive clasp weight)
Material
: Silk string
Main Stone
: Saltwater Akoya pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Length:
6.04 mm to 6.45 mm
Width
: 5.26 mm to 6.22 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 off-round and polished
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
18.63"
Closure/Clasp Type:
Fishhook clasp
Link Type:
Pearl beads on silk string
Pendant Type:
--
Notable Features:
This necklace was handmade in the Art Deco era.
The necklace is composed of a strand of saltwater Akoya pearls and is completed with a 14k yellow gold clasp. Pearl necklaces like this were very fashionable during the Art Deco era, which saw wealthy socialites and aristocrats donning bold, eye-catching jewelry to wear to Gatsby-style parties and other formal evening events. Pearl bead necklaces were especially popular with flappers, who would often pair them with other beaded necklaces to create glamorous, attention-grabbing looks.
There are seventy-one saltwater Akoya pearls adorning this necklace, each of which would have been hand-harvested off the coast of Japan before being imported to be made into jewelry. The pearls are all pale cream in hue and display a beautiful luster when light hits their off-round bodies from different angles. After being drilled through the center and polished, the pearls were strung by hand onto a white silk string, the jeweler taking care to double-knot the silk string between the stones to prevent the loss of beads in case of a break.
Completing the necklace is a 14k yellow gold fishhook clasp adorned with a floral motif, the vibrant hue of the yellow gold contrasting beautifully with the cooler hues of the pearls. When worn, the necklace dangles down the chest to rest against the décolletage on most people. A classic example of the pearl necklaces worn by flappers during the Art Deco era, this necklace 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.
*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 caliber cut stones that are specifically cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would often take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.
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.
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