Matte Gold Jewelry

 Mad for Matte Gold Jewelry

When I say “matte gold” I’m not referring to real gold, but rather to costume jewelry with a dull rather than shiny finish.

Though it ranges in price from low to high depending on whether it’s made by a known designer or not, even the less expensive stuff has a high quality look, whereas shiny “gold tone” jewelry can look cheap. 

I’ve sold much of this stuff over the years, and like most passionate collectors, I still miss some of it–these two beauties for example:

French art deco lion brooch.
French art deco lion brooch.
Isn't she beautiful? An unsigned "sun" brooch.
Isn’t she beautiful? An unsigned “sun” brooch.

 

Part the appeal of this jewelry is that the rich finish, some of which is actual 24 kt gold plate, brings to mind the ornaments of ancient civilizations, like the Etruscans, the Romans or the Incas, while also looking very modern.

Click on the photos to see more about these pieces….and see my shop, V de B Vintage on Etsy.

A museum reproduction pendant
A museum reproduction pendant
Great examples of face jewelry--reproductions of ancient coins.
Great examples of face jewelry–reproductions of ancient coins.
A Pre-Columbian style bracelet.
A Pre-Columbian style bracelet.

I first became intrigued by this look with the early work of Robert Lee Morris–prime examples of this style.

These are typical of Morris' work from the Artwear era
These are typical of Morris’ work from the Artwear era
Another example of big and bold Robert Lee Morris earrings
Another example of big and bold Robert Lee Morris earrings

 Here are some more examples from my shop, high and low, all mixed up…..and please contact me with your questions or comments.

An early design by designer Jay Sharpe.
An early design by designer Jay Sharpe.
Small dangle earrings that I'm selling as a set.
Small dangle earrings that I’m selling as a set.
A recent acquisition by Edouard Rambaud, Paris
A recent acquisition by Edouard Rambaud, Paris
A Jacques Lipchitz pendant, part of an Israeli set of artist-designed jewelry
A Jacques Lipchitz pendant, part of an Israeli set of artist-designed jewelry
These unsigned chunky earrings could have been designed by Robert Lee Morris.
These unsigned chunky earrings could have been designed by Robert Lee Morris.
A rarity by French mid century designer Line Vautrin
A rarity by French mid century designer Line Vautrin
Delicate and lovely, these would be great for a bride.
Delicate and lovely, these would be great for a bride.

 

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