Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 14k Yellow Gold Oval Aquamarine Riviere Bracelet

Description

We have similar Aquamarine, Riviere, 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 "Aquamarine," "Riviere," or "Retro" under our auction items.
Item Description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
"14k" on clasp, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
10.4 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
0.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Aquamarine
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
12.69 carats total
Length:
4.12 mm
Width:
5.98 mm
Depth:
3.48 mm
Color:
semi-translucent light blue 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:
Oval faceted cut
Item Measurements:
Wearable length:
8.16"
Band width:
0.16"
Bracelet Type:
Riviere
Closure/Clasp Type:
Push-in tab clasp with safety catch
Link Type:
Fancy yellow gold links
Notable Features:
This bracelet was handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the bracelet features beautiful Aquamarine stones arranged in the riviere style. The use of so many colorful and rare stones in this bracelet 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 many colorful precious stones. This bracelet 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.
There are twenty-seven aquamarine stones adorning this bracelet, each with light blue hues prized in this variety of stone. Each of the aquamarine are semi-translucent, allowing light to filter through their bodies and illuminate their dramatic hues while reflecting off their oval cut facets with eye-catching sparkle. The stones rest securely in yellow gold prong basket settings, the warm hue of the gold a beautiful contrast to the cooler blue of the aquamarine. In classic Hollywood Regency style, the basket settings suspend the stones, making them more prominent and allowing light to filter through them from multiple angles.
The fancy 14k yellow gold links have a flowing appearance and are connected, creating an articulated strand of beautiful stones. This style of bracelet is often referred to as "riviere," so named due to its appearance evoking the image of a "river of stones." The bracelet is completed with a yellow gold push-in tab clasp with safety catch
for comfortable and secure wear. A classic example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, this bracelet 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 one aquamarine stone missing, this can be seen in pictures one, two and four. The stone can be replaced by any jewelry store.
*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 appropriately, with blindingly glittering jewels to showcase their lives of luxury.
Riviere is a style where individually mounted gemstones and glass stones are attached in rows or strands, creating a continuous and elegant design. Stones are often faceted and set in open back settings, allowing light to reflect throughout the stones. Riviere means “river” in French, and refers to the flowing style of this design, much like that of a river. This style gained popularity during the Georgian era and is still very fashionable today.
A stunning variety of the mineral beryl, aquamarine was named after the Latin word for seawater. Aquamarines with visible flaws are uncommon and the cost of producing synthetic aquamarine is high, therefore most aquamarine gems are natural. Light blue topaz is often mistaken for aquamarine. The large size of its crystal lattice makes many of its specimens ideal for faceting into larger sized gemstones, and thus it is seen in many opulent designs from various periods in time. Royalty commonly favored these large, precious stones. Varying in color from light blue to light green, its subtle beauty carries over well into a wide variety of jewelry styles. The value of aquamarine is often based on how limpid, or clear, it is in appearance.
Domestic US
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Auction Items:
Base shipping + .00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for free
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FREE
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USPS
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USPS
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USPS
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