Antique Vintage Deco Retro 18k Yellow Gold Enamel Figural Poodle Dog Pin Brooch

Description

We have similar Enamel and Retro items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Enamel" or "Retro" under our auction items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:
"18k Italy UnoAerre" on the back of the brooch, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Italy
Brand:
UnoAerre
Gram Weight:
7.5 grams
Metal Type:
18k yellow gold, base metal pin stem
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
--
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Accent Stone:
--
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Stone Treatment:
--
Stone Cuts:
--
Item Measurements:
Length:
1.22"
Width:
0.87"
Depth:
0.48" (including pin stem)
Pin/Brooch Style:
Brooch, hat pin, lapel pin, scarf pin, tie pin
Closure Type:
Pin stem with a locking "c" clasp
Convertible to Pendant:
If desired, your local jeweler can add a bale to this piece so it can be worn as a pendant.
Notable Features:
This pin brooch was made during the Retro period of the Art Deco era in Italy. Composed of 18k yellow gold, the brooch features the motif of a figural poodle dog adorned with enamel.
The use of such an eye-catching motif with brightly-colored enamel
in this brooch is
an excellent example of the Hollywood Regency style, which grew to popularity during the Retro period.
Eager to show off their wealth and style, Hollywood celebrities and socialites would adorn themselves with glamorous jewelry, usually featuring gorgeous stones and dramatic, bold designs. This brooch was made in the style of Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, & Tiffany designs that were influencing the Hollywood Regency style, making the viewer think of the likes of Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn.
Markings on the brooch indicate it was created in Italy by UnoAErre, a jewelry company founded in 1926.
This beautiful pin brooch features the motif of a poodle, its yellow gold ears raised from its head in a charming design. The dog's eyes is adorned with enamel, which was hand-applied to the brooch. Green enamel decorates the dog's eyes, while deep navy blue enamel adorns the dog's collar. The 18k yellow gold body of the dog features raised, textured curly poodle hair motifs, the bright hue of the yellow gold a beautiful contrast to the deep blue enamel. The raised, rounded body of the poodle was expertly created using the repousse metalworking technique to hand-hammer the 18k yellow gold from the opposite side.
Completing the brooch is a base metal pin stem with a locking "c" clasp which allows the brooch to be worn on a variety of accessories or clothing. The generous use of 18k yellow gold gives this piece an impressive item weight value of 5.
A classic example of Hollywood Regency jewelry from the Retro period, this brooch would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection. Don't miss your chance to preserve this piece of cultural history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. There is minor patina on some areas of the yellow gold, which does not affect wear.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
Retro jewelry refers to pieces created in the 1940s and 1950s. This was a period during which jewelry designers were largely influenced by the changes stemming from World War II. These designs reflect an infusion of futuristic vision with elements inspired by preceding periods, encompassing a variety of gemstones, shapes, and materials. Materials used commonly in Retro jewelry are gold, gold alloys, and silver as the wartime put a restriction on the use of platinum. Designs can be masculine, geometric and modern, or softer, more feminine and floral.
The Hollywood Regency style came into fashion during the 1930s, ushered along by the Golden Age of Hollywood. This style was heralded by bright, contrasting colors and modernization of the opulence of Baroque styles, featuring a deliberately frivolous extravagance that screamed glitz and glamour. “Big girls need big diamonds” was taken to heart, and the gorgeous Hollywood stars decked themselves appropriately, with blindingly glittering jewels to showcase their lives of luxury.
Enameling originally dates all the way back to the ancient Persians of Meenakari. The technique involves bonding powdered glass to a base, usually gold, by firing (heating and melting the glass onto the metal). The glass hardens to form a layer of pigment over the metal. Enamel is made of colored powdered glass or may include clear powdered glass that is mixed with colorful metallic pigments. It was used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Celts; and later the Chinese and Georgians. It resurged in popularity in the 20th century. It is primarily used on decorative art or jewelry, usually small in size. Besides jewelry, enamel can also be applied to glass, ceramic, stone, and various other materials.
Repoussé began as an ancient metalworking technique dating as far back as the 3rd century BC, involving malleable metal that was hammered onto the reverse side to create an image on the front. Examples are found all over the world; Greece, Egypt, and even the Hopewell periods in the American southeast. Reverse side hammering was also used to add detail to the front, creating intricate patterns using grooves, indentations, and channeling. The piece was then carefully polished to create a hollow, eye-catching treasure.
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
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