Antique Vintage Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Italian Circular Puffy Stud Earrings

Description

We have similar 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 “Retro” under our auction items.
Listing description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
$1,000 – $2,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 -1950
Markings:
“Brev” on the back of the earrings,
tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Italy
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
6.5 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
$220.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
—
Main Stone:
—
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
—
Accent Stone:
—
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
—
Stone Treatment:
—
Stone Cuts:
—
Earring Style:
Stud
Earring Backing Style:
Posts style backings. Your local jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears:
Pierced
Item Measurements:
Diameter:
0.94″
Width including posts:
0.73″
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era in Italy. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the earrings feature puffy circular techniques. The use of such eye-catching modern designs in these earrings 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 dramatic, bold designs. These earrings were 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.
Each earring was created using puffy techniques. This technique is very hard to do, which makes it highly sort after. The earrings have a hollow center and are shaped into a circular motif. Bold, eye-catching earrings like these were very fashionable during this time period.
Completing the earrings are post backings which makes them suitable for pierced ears. A classic example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, these earrings 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 earrings are missing butterfly or bullet backings these can be purchased at any department stone.
*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.
Puffy jewelry is a name given to hollow repousse pieces, typically little heart charms. Puffy hearts came into fashion in the late 1800s and were popular until the 1950s. Today, puffy jewelry is highly sought after, but very rare to find because they were difficult to make in the first place and were easily damaged due to their hollow cores.
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 + $2.00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for free
BIN Items:
FREE
Base Shipping:
USPS
First Class
: $8.00 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS
Priority Mail
: $12.00 fully insured, estimated 2-3 business days
USPS
Priority Express
: $25.00 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.