Antique Vintage Deco Sterling Silver Chinese Lapis Lazuli Pearl Necklace 11.2g

  
We have similar Chinese and Art Deco items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. Listing Description by: Angela A. Age Circa : Art Deco C. Markings : What appears to be a partial "Sterling" mark on the back of the pendant. Gram Weight : 11.2 grams. 925 sterling silver with a yellow gold wash. Diameter : 6.77 mm to 9.72 mm. Color: opaque deep blue hue with mottled lighter blue and white hues, as well as gold-hued speckling.

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 : Polished high relief lapis lazuli floral carving, carved and polished round bead lapis lazuli, naturally rounded and polished seed pearl.

Pendant measurements: 2.42" long, 0.98" wide. Closure/Clasp Type: Spring ring clasp. Link Type: Fancy link chain. Handmade during the Art Deco era in China.

Jewelry made in China was extremely popular amongst European and North American aristocrats during this time period. The pendant features a stunning, huge lapis lazuli stone which was carved by hand into a floral motif.

The lapis lazuli stone showcases a deep blue hue with mottled lighter blue and white hues, as well as gold-hued speckling. This lapis lazuli is surrounded by a border of beautiful, lustrous white seed pearls.

Dangling from this pendant are three large lapis lazuli beads. For additional lapis lazuli beads were also strung on the fancy link chain. The necklace was completed with a spring ring clasp for secure wear.

When worn, the pendant rests against the décolletage on most people. There is wear to the gold wash over sterling silver, revealing the sterling silver underneath. Tarnish on the sterling silver gives the necklace an antique quality we believe is rather lovely. This listing is for the item only.

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 specially cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would usually take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.

Chinese export jewelry became popular during the late Victorian period and persisted until the 1960s. During this period, Chinese craftsmen were considered by far the best in the world. The rich and wealthy would custom-order a piece through their local jeweler, who would send the design off to China to be made and sent back to Europe. This lengthy process was very expensive, making Chinese export pieces highly desirable, then and now. Chinese stone cutters were considered some of the finest artisans in the world.

They would spend years learning to hand-carve many different types of stones, and excelled in creating finely detailed pieces other artisans couldn't even hope to compare to. Their skill was so refined that they could even carve delicate stones like coral and jade. Chinese stone cutters were so talented that Victorian era European socialites would commission pieces from them, preferring the hefty price tag that came with such high quality work to the ready availability of Western stonework. 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. Seed pearls occur naturally and are used most often as a decorative border, as tiny accents in small patterns, or in larger clusters woven together to make up an entire piece of jewelry. They are normally less than 2 mm in diameter. They were imported from India and China and carried a hefty price tag due to this. Seed Pearl jewelry was used often for special occasions such as weddings, Mary Todd Lincoln received a seed pearl parure for Lincoln's inauguration. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewelry\Necklaces & Pendants". The seller is "abeautifultimeco" and is located in this country: US.

This item can be shipped worldwide.

1. Modified Item: No
2. Country/Region of Manufacture: China
3. Style: Pendant
4. Ethnic Origin: Chinese
5. Stone #2: Seed Pearl
6. Metal #2: Gold Wash
7. Metal Purity: .925
8. Main Stone: Lapis Lazuli
9. Metal: Sterling Silver
10. Jewelry Department: Fine
11. Type: Necklace
12. Brand: Unbranded