Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 14k Gold Tahitian Peacock Pearl Beaded Necklace

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: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
"14k" and unidentified maker's mark (CP) on the clasp
, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
24.4 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
-- (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
Silk string
Main Stone:
Tahitian peacock pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Length:
6.08 mm to 7.04 mm
Width:
5.37 mm to 6.36 mm
Color:
lustrous deep grey-purple hue with iridescent peacock hues; lustrous grey hues; lustrous cream 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:
Naturally off-round and polished pearls
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
17.75"
Closure/Clasp Type:
Fishhook clasp
Link Type:
Tahitian pearls on silk string
Pendant Type
:
--
Notable Features:
This necklace was handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of beautiful Tahitian peacock pearl beads strung on silk string, the necklace also features a 14k yellow gold fishhook clasp. The use of so many unique and beautiful pearls in this 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. The necklace 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 and Katharine Hepburn.
This necklace features sixty-seven naturally rounded and polished Tahitian pearls. Uniquely, the pearls were strung in sets of three different colors throughout the strands. Some of the pearls feature grey-purple hue enhanced by a natural peacock iridescence that appears in blue, yellow, pink, and green hues when light reflects off the face of the stones at different angles. The remaining pearls showcase lustrous white hues and grey hues. The pearls would have been hand-harvested off the coast of Tahiti before being imported, polished, and drilled through with a small hole to be strung on a necklace. In this piece, the pearls are strung on a white silk string, the jeweler taking the time to tie a double-knot between each of the pearls to prevent friction or loss in case of a break.
This necklace certainly would not have looked out of place adorning the neck of a Hollywood socialite, displaying the fact she was wealthy enough to own this many colorful, imported pearls.
The necklace is completed with a 14k yellow gold geometric fishhook clasp, the yellow gold contrasting beautifully against the darker hues of the Tahitian peacock pearls. When worn, the necklace rests under the collarbone against the décolletage on most people. A classic example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, 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. The fishhook clasp is bent and does not clasp securely; this can be repaired by your local jeweler in order for the necklace to be worn securely.
*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 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.
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 ap
propriately, with blindingly glittering jewels to showcase their lives of luxury.
Tahitian pearls are grown in French Polynesia, a group of 5 island archipelagos that covers the size of Europe. These pearls are relatively new to the pearl world and are highly sought after due to their unique color that is completely natural.
Unlike the more common pearl types, Tahitian pearls typically have a naturally dark body color. They are formed from the black lip oyster. These pearls have become some of the most sought after, expensive pearls in the world. Because of their vast color range, matching these pearls into a finished strand is an enormous task that could require thousands of loose pearls to create a single strand.
Domestic US
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