Vintage Designer 925 Sterling Silver Freshwater Pearl Smoky Quartz Drop Earrings

Description

We have similar Pearl and Designer items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Pearl" or "Designer" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Cait P.
The Piece
Age Circa
: Vintage designer
Markings
: "China 925" and an unidentified maker's mark (VAR) on the earring backings, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin
: China
Brand
: VAR
Gram Weight
: 3.9 grams
Metal Type
: .925 sterling silver
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Freshwater pearl
Main Stone Measurements/Color
:
Length:
5.85 mm
Width:
6.35 mm
Color:
lustrous brown hue
Accent Stone
: Smoky quartz
Accent Stone Measurements/Color
:
Length:
12.1 mm
Width:
11.85 mm
Color:
semi-translucent brown hue with smoky undertones
Stone Treatment:
The freshwater pearls were dyed to give them their color. The smoky quartz stones 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
: Naturally off round and polished freshwater pearls, fancy faceted smoky quartz disk
Item Measurements
:
Length:
1.95"
Width:
0.45"
Earring Style
: Drop/dangle
Earring Backing:
Lever backings. Your jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style of your preference.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears
: Pierced
Notable Features
:
Made with designer craftsmanship and quality
Composed of .925 sterling silver
Each earring features a lustrous freshwater pearl dyed brown and a smoky quartz stone with a faceted cut to provide sparkle and shimmer
Completed with lever backings, making them suitable for pierced ears
Damage
: Age appropriate wear.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
This piece is made with designer craftsmanship and quality.
Freshwater pearls are a special type of pearl that are created by freshwater mussels and have been used in jewelry as far back as Medieval times. The largest source for natural freshwater pearls at that time was the Holarctic Freshwater Pearl Mussel, which was native to Scotland. This species is now endangered, and most freshwater pearls must be cultured. Unlike cultured saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls are not bead-nucleated and are therefore typically less round. Instead of using a bead, a small square of mantle tissue is cut from a donor mussel's inner lining and inserted into the lining of the harvesting mussel to instigate pearl formation. The unique harvesting technique makes freshwater pearls purely composed of nacre. These pearls are valued for their whimsical shapes and wide range of colors. The unique character of freshwater pearls is found in their distinctive texture and the warmth of their luster.
Smoky quartz ranges color-wise from a translucent or semi-translucent light brown hue to an opaque smoky brown hue. These stones are most commonly found in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Poland. Because of its large range of hues and tones, this quartz is perfect for many different types of jewelry.
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
First Class
: .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
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.