Antique, Victorian - early 20th century gentleman's cufflinks and stud set. Cufflinks and buttons in fitted box (not original). Mother of Pearl, Natural pearls 14k yellow and white gold. Made by Larter & Sons, Newark, New Jersey.
Measurement:
Cufflinks measure 11mm accross. Buttons measure 5mm accross.
Description:
Octogonal shaped. Mother of Pearl disks. The colour with lovely range depending on how the light falls on it, from blue-grey to silvery white. Offset by a border of patterned, textured finely engraved 14k white gold. Each disk centered with a small pearl, measuring 2.10 - 2.3mm in diam. Backs are a rich yellow gold.
Each piece is hallmarked with 14k gold standard and the Larter & Sons maker's mark.
Condition:
One cufflink has light scratching on the mother of pearl surface, visible in magnified 'photos. Otherwise, good condition with no damage to be found.
THE STORY:
During the Gilded Age, wealthy Americans began to outdo the rest of the world in formal dress and beautiful jewelry to accompany it. Americans began to manufacture jewelry as exemplified by Larter and Sons, Tiffany & Co and other well-known companies of the period. According to Dorothy Rainwater, authority on American Jewelry manufacturers, Larter & Sons was considered to be have a leading place in men's jewelry - see page 149.
