Antique Vintage Mid Century orders 925 Sterling Silver Jasper Abalone Bracelet 34.6g

We have similar Jasper and Mid Century items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Jasper" or "Mid Century" under our Buy-It-Now items.

Listing description by: Dayna M.

The Piece

Markings: Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed

Main stone: Jasper

Main stone measurements/color:
Length: 12.96 mm
Width: 9.69 mm
Color: opaque purple hues with lighter and darker inclusions

Accent stone: Abalone, Hematite

Accent stone measurements/color:
Abalone: 6.17 mm - 13.05 mm length, 8.44 mm - 12.69 mm width, color: lustrous pearlest grey hues
Hematite: 8.15 mm diameter, color: black reflective hues
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: carved and polished beads (all)

Item measurements:
length: 7.25"
width: 0.94"

Notable features:
-handmade during the Mid Century era
-the bracelet has circular chain links with teardrop jasper stone charms
-abalone shell and hematite beads also adorn the bracelet
-complete with a lobster clasp for secure wear.

Damage: Age appropriate wear. tarnish on the silver gives the bracelet an antique quality that we believe is quite lovely. Tarnish can be removed using a polishing cloth.

*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*


The History

The Mid-Century era, 1935 to 1965, encompassed many new styles of art and architecture and this carried over to jewelry making. This exciting time for jewelry saw movements such as Hollywood Regency, Modernism, Brutalism, and the Atomic Age. Native American artisans were also making their mark in the jewelry industry. Artisans used many kinds of metals, gemstones, glass, and experimented with ceramic and wood as well. This era was filled with new and innovative designs, while also rejuvenating and reinventing older styles. The unique jewelry which emerged from this era is still very popular today.

A form of chalcedony, jasper is an opaque mineral of virtually any color. Jasper is often observed with patterns that occur during the mineral's formation. Certain forms of jasper such as the pale green variety have been popular since the ancient period; the Minoans on Crete favored green jasper for their seals, but green jasper was also orders popular among the Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, and Hebrews of antiquity. Hailed as a significant gemstone among the ancients, it was also used to produce objects larger than jewelry such as vases and other vessels.

Abalone shell is a type of mollusk shell that has a beautiful iridescent inner layer of nacre, much like mother of pearl. The inner shell of the abalone is an iridescent swirl of intense colors, ranging from deep cobalt blue and peacock green to purples and pinks. Each shell, therefore, has its own unique play of colors. Abalone shell has been found in jewelry from ancient Greece and Rome, and continues to enjoy popularity to this day.

Hematite is the mineral form of iron (III) oxide and is a dark, blackish gray opaque stone with a metallic luster. It has an extremely high brilliance and shine and takes a metallic polish that can look silver, pure black, or gunmetal blue. It was a very popular stone during the Victorian Era, and has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years due to purported healing and mystical properties.