Posted 7 years ago
Rogueroman
(96 items)
I picked up this beautiful LAPIS LAZULI & SILVER BEAD NECKLACE and matching screw back EARRINGS. I'm not sure if it is Native American but it it certainly has a Native American style. I suppose it could also have been made in Mexico.
The necklace measures approximately 20 1/4" open and is made up of 16 polished lapis lazuli beads measuring about 5/16" each and grouped in pairs, with a 1/4" silver bead on either side. The bead groups are on wire, and they are separated by a 1" stretched flat oval silver disc.
There is also a pair of beautiful matching earrings. Each earring is made up of a smaller 1/4" lapis lazuli bead resting on top of a larger, 5/16" lapis bead. They are suspended on a wire with a small silver bead on the bottom. The dangle earrings measure about 1 3/8" in length and are attached to a silver U shaped back with a single silver bead face and a screw back. I could find no marks on any of the jewelry.
I am not a jewelry aficionado by any stretch of the imagination I am hoping someone can give me an idea as to the age of this wonderful old set. I was guessing maybe the 1920's to maybe the early 1940's because of the screw backs. (My apology for the plethora of dust on the black background. Didn't notice it until the pics were on screen.) Any information is always appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Hi - lovely set! Yes, it is marked. Look on the "U" part of the earrings (visible on the earring on the right), at the point where it meets with the screw. You will have to magnify the mark for it to be read.
Good lookin' out Ms Bonnie!!! Sure is.
I got so excited but alas, it is a false alarm. I checked it with a jewelers loop and it is just a tiny bit of solder. I thank you for your sharp eye and quick post but the search goes on! It did inspire to look closely at the silver pieces on the necklace but could find no marks of any kind.
Very pretty!
Valentine097 - thank you for your reply. I actually don't think the lapis is dyed however. The unnatural blue you see in the photos is my fault as I was trying to enhance the piece on my computer so that one could see more detail. I will try taking pictures of them on a white background with no enhancement. My mom had these back when she was a junior or senior in high school (1955-56) I think they were a gift from a relative for a birthday or something as I vaguely recall but she is no longer around to ask unfortunately. Most of her earrings from those early years were all clip ons and the fact that these screw made me think that they might be a bit older. Again thank you for your time.