Antique Vintage Art Deco Sterling Silver Egyptian Red Onyx Beetle Cufflinks 12g

Description

We have similar Deco and Cufflink items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Deco" or "Cufflink" under our Buy-it-Now items.
Listing Description by: Megan E.
The Piece
Age Circa:
Art Deco C. 1920 - 1940
Markings:
"Sterling" on the securing bars, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
12 grams
Metal Type:
.925 sterling silver with a gold wash
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Red Onyx
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Length:
19.8 mm
Width:
15.1 mm
Color
: semi-translucent deep red 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:
Polished scarab carving
Item Measurements:
Cufflink face:
0.93" length, 0.69" width
Cufflink length:
1.27"
Convertible to Earrings:
If desired, your local jeweler can most likely convert these cufflinks to earrings by adding the backing style of your choice.
Notable Features:
Handmade during the Art Deco era
Inspired by ancient Egyptian jewelry and art
Features a large red onyx stone which is deep red in hue and was carved by hand into a scarab beetle
An etched border and rope twist accents adorn each stone
Composed of .925 sterling silver with a gold wash
Completed with bullet backings for secure wear
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. Slight wear on the gold wash has revealed the sterling silver below. The price has been reduced 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 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.
The scarab beetle was the earthly representation of the Egyptian god of creation and resurrection, Khepri. Khepri was believed to renew the sun every day, bringing life and light to the world each morning. The likeness of the revered insect was often carved into stone, precious metals and gemstones as talismans or amulets.
Onyx is a chalcedony quartz gemstone that is found all over the world. It usually has a fine texture and black color; however, some onyx also displays colored bands or ribbons against a black or brown background. Red onyx is quite rare and desirable and is also known as sardonyx. Onyx that has a deep green shade is known as Brazilian green onyx and is very rare. It became a popular stone for sculpture and jewelry in the 1920s and 1930s. The name comes from the Greek word onyx which means nail of a finger or claw. The word onyx comes from the Greek word "ὄνυξ" which can be translated as "nail of a finger or claw." In Greco-Roman myth, the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite, lay sleeping when Eros cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. Because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them into stone which later became known as onyx.
There were two primary waves of popularity for Egyptian motifs and imagery. The first Egyptian Revival took place during the 1700s, inspired by Napoleon’s campaign in Northern Africa as he swept across the land he collected and sent back beautiful pieces of antique Egyptian jewelry. The influx of designs and styles caused a fad, and Egyptian inspired jewelry, clothes, and decorations took off. The second Egyptian revival was influenced by archaeological discoveries and advancements, specifically the rediscovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922. Egyptian revival common motifs include the Eye of Horus, which is meant to symbolize for healing and protection, scarabs and lotus flowers which express creation and life, and the Ankh symbol which indicates eternal life.
Chasing is a metalworking technique that uses a nail-like tool and hammer to hand etch patterns onto a metal surface. This process creates a design that is sunk into the front of the surface using indentations, grooves, and channels. Chasing is thousands of years old and was a very difficult and time-consuming technique that is still used by metalsmiths today.
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
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: .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
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