Antique Vintage Mid Century 925 Sterling Silver Azurite order Cluster Earrings 5.7 g

We have similar Azurite and Mid Century items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please order visit our store and search "Azurite" or "Mid Century" under our Buy-It-Now items.

Listing description by: Dayna M.

The Piece

Markings: Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed

Main stone: Azurite

Main stone measurements/color:
Length: 16.11 mm
Width: 12.19 mm
Color: opaque green hues with blue and black inclusions

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: Craved and polished cabochon

Item measurements:
length: 0.66"
width: 0.50"

Notable features:
-handmade during the Mid Century era
-composed of 925 sterling silver
-the earrings are adorned with azurite stones resting on a bezel setting
-complete with clip-on backings for secure wear.

Damage: Age appropriate wear. The tarnish on the silver gives the earrings an antique look we believe to be quite lovely. Tarnish on the silver can be removed using a polishing cloth if so desired. The earrings have some green oxidization on the backings, to price has been reduce to reflect this.

*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*


The History

The Mid-Century era, 1935 to 1965, encompassed many new styles of art and architecture and this carried over to jewelry making. This exciting time for jewelry saw movements such as Hollywood Regency, Modernism, Brutalism, and the Atomic Age. Native American artisans were also making their mark in the jewelry industry. Artisans used many kinds of metals, gemstones, glass, and experimented with ceramic and wood as well. This era was filled with new and innovative designs, while also rejuvenating and reinventing older styles. The unique jewelry which emerged from this era is still very popular today.

Azurite is a soft stone that is named for the intense “azure blue” color it exhibits. It is a copper carbonate mineral found often in oxidized copper ore. Azurite is extremely sensitive to heat which makes the stone difficult to work with. It was highly prized in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Persian Empire because blue was considered a sacred color. During the Medieval and Renaissance periods, Azurite was ground up and used as a pigment in painting.