Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 14k Gold Carved Lapis Lazuli Disk Beaded Necklace

Description

We have similar Lapis Lazuli 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 "Lapis" 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" on the clasp, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
19.1 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Metal Melt Value:
-- (value all-inclusive weight)
Material
: Silk string
Main Stone
: Lapis lazuli
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
approximately 122.01 carats
Diameter:
7.82 mm to 8.89 mm
Depth
: 2.19 mm to 3.74 mm
Color:
opaque deep blue hue with mottled areas of lighter blue hues and gold-hued speckles
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:
Carved and polished disk-shaped beads
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
18"
Closure/Clasp Type:
Fishhook clasp
Link Type:
Lapis lazuli beads on silk string
Pendant Type:
--
Notable Features:
This necklace was handmade in the Retro period of the Art Deco era. The necklace consists of uniquely carved lapis lazuli beads and a 14k yellow gold clasp.
The use of so many large lapis lazuli stones in the 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. This necklace was made in the style of Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Tiffany designs that influenced the Hollywood Regency style, making the viewer think of the likes of Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn.
There are eighty-three large lapis lazuli beads strung on this necklace, measuring an impressive 122.01 carats in total. All of the stones
are an opaque deep blue hue with mottled areas of lighter blue hues and the gold-hued speckles prized in this variety of stone. Each disk-shaped bead beautifully displays this hue, and the beads were carved into unique disk shapes. After being drilled through the front and back, each bead was strung on a white silk string, with this style making the string invisible and giving the beads a flowing, stacked appearance
.
The necklace is completed with a 14k yellow gold fishhook clasp for secure wear. This stylish necklace dangles past the collarbone to rest against the décolletage on most people when worn. Each glamorous, eye-catching element of this necklace combines to make a classic
example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, and the necklace would be very much at home gracing the neck of a starlet during Hollywood's Golden Age. This necklace would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection, so don't miss your chance to preserve this piece of cultural history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. There are small chips from the sides of several of the lapis lazuli beads, which does not affect wear and would not be immediately noticeable when worn.
*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.
Prized for its intense blue hue and unique gold speckling, lapis lazuli has been mined since approximately 7000 BC. Some of the oldest and finest lapis lazuli mines can be found in Afghanistan, particularly in the Badakhshan province, where several mines are still in operation. From the Indus Valley Civilization to the ancient Egyptians and artists of Medieval Europe, lapis lazuli has been a highly prized and sought after stone. Popular not only in jewelry, lapis lazuli was also ground into powder by Renaissance artists, who used it to create the expensive ultramarine blue pigment used in oil paintings. Throughout human history, lapis lazuli has been carved and crafted into stoneware, jewelry, and other decorative items. Its rich blue pigment and eye-catching gold speckling make the stone highly prized in antique and modern jewelry alike.
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
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