Antique Vintage Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Emerald Foliate Ring Sz 7

Description

We have similar Retro, Emerald, and Pearl items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Retro," "Emerald," or "Pearl" under our auction items.
Item Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
"14k" on the inside of the band, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
8.1 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Emerald
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
approximately 0.24 carats total
Diameter
:
2.52 mm to 2.6 mm
Depth:
1.63 mm to 1.95 mm
Color:
semi-translucent bright green hue
Accent Stone:
Saltwater Akoya pearl
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
Diameter:
5.91 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:
Round faceted cut emerald, naturally rounded and polished pearls
Ring Size:
7 - due to the sizing band (which could be removed by your local jeweler if desired), this ring may wear slightly larger than this size
Sizable by your local jeweler:
Yes
Item Measurements:
Top of ring:
0.93" length, 0.93" width
When worn:
The top of the ring rises 0.44" off the finger
Notable Features:
This ring was handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the ring features beautiful emerald stones and saltwater Akoya pearls with a curling leaf design.
T
he use of such lustrous and sparkling stones
in this ring 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 ring 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 ring features a total of three emerald stones, each of which contains an eye-catching bright pink hue. The stones' round faceted cuts allows for beautiful display of the emeralds' vibrant hue, as well as lovely sparkle when light reflects from their facets. Yellow gold prong settings hold the emeralds securely, the bright hue of the yellow gold contrasting beautifully with the vivid green emeralds. Each emerald adorns one curling leaf motif, while in the center of the leaves are a total of three saltwater Akoya pearls. These huge pearls each showcase white hues and a beautiful luster which appears as light moves across the pearls' faces. After being hand-harvested off the coast of Japan and imported to be made into jewelry, each pearl was placed securely in a yellow gold cap setting. The three curling leaf motifs appear to meet in the center in an interlocking style, adding visual interest.
A Hollywood starlet wearing this ring at a cocktail party would certainly have attracted the attention of fellow party-goers.
The ring's 14k yellow gold split shoulders taper into a smooth polished band for comfortable and secure wear. The ring also contains a sizing band, which can be removed by your local jeweler, if desired. The generous amount of 14k yellow gold used in the ring gives it an impressive item weight value of 5. A classic example of Hollywood Regency and sweetheart jewelry from the Retro period, this ring would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection. Don't miss your chance to recall the Golden Age of Hollywood and preserve this piece of cultural history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. There is a chip to one emerald stone beneath a prong setting, as well as minor facet wear to the faces of all the emerald stones; however, this does not affect wear, and the stones remain secure. There is also patina on some areas of the yellow gold, which does not affect wear. A sizing band was added by a previous owner, which can be removed by your local jeweler, if desired.
*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.
The emerald is one of the four precious gemstones, along with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Emeralds are gorgeous green stones that have been valued by many cultures since ancient times, and have long been associated with royalty and religious status. There are recordings from 5500 years ago praising the Egyptian emerald mines; emeralds were purportedly the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra. The emerald was highly prized by the Aztec and Inca for ritual purposes, and the mines in Colombia were plundered by Cortez and his Spanish explorers when they came to the New World in the 16th Century. Emeralds are usually highly included, which means they are not very resistant to breakage. Emeralds are graded on color, clarity, cut, and carat weight with color being by far the most important criteria followed closely by clarity.
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.
PayPal only. After 4 days of non-payment, an automated unpaid item case will be opened by our eBay system. If you need extra time for payment, please contact us prior to bidding.
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.