Vintage Retro 14K, Diamond & Pearl Ballerina Pendant

 It’s not uncommon to consider something that is “Retro” as something dating back to the 1960s or 1970s. But when it comes to Retro jewelry, the time period involved goes back even further, to around the time of World War II.Like Art Nouveau, the Retro jewelry period is both highly distinctive and relatively short lived. Because platinum was needed as a strategic metal during WWII, the jewelry of the 1940s made a sudden turn to rose and rosy-yellow gold. The bold dramatic designs that distinguish Retro jewels immediately evoke the style and glamour of Golden Age Hollywood. Retro pieces resembled the geometric jewelry of 1920’s Art Deco era. But Retro pieces were three-dimensional, not flat. Also, due to wartime scarcity, they weren’t adorned from top to bottom with glittering jewels like Deco jewelry. These bold, modern pieces went well with the masculine wartime fashions of famous designers Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli. Retro jewelry is also known as Retro Modern or Cocktail jewelry, and often incorporated fanciful versions of flowers, seashells, birds and other animals.

Novelty shapes, such as our tiny dancer were also popular, with Tiffany & Company producing a very similar design. Our golden girl is stylistically sculpted, with her head held high,  and her graceful arms poised to present a pearl dangler. Tiny pearls adorn the hem of her skirt, mimicking the crinolines worn under ballet dancers' tutus. The full skirt is embellished with diamonds and gemstones, adding extra sparkle as she jetes in the air! A wonderful piece, sure to bring a smile to anyone who ever dreamed of taking center stage!

 Details (approximate)

Dimensions: 35mm x 28mm

Weight: 3.5 grams

Materials: Gold, diamond, pearl

Metal: 14K yellow gold

Marks: None

Condition: Excellent vintage condition

LORL, LOE