South Dakota Treasure - Vintage 10K/12K/14K 'Black Hills Gold' Grape Vine Necklace & Earring Set (VN173)

South Dakota Treasure - Vintage 10K/12K/14K 'Black Hills Gold' Grape Vine Necklace & Earring Set. This glorious set is crafted from 10K/12K and 14K. The pendant is hallmarked 12K gold, which consists of yellow and rose gold. The chain portion is crafted from 14K yellow gold, whilst the earrings are crafted from 10K yellow and rose gold.  Featuring authentic Black Hills Gold, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on the necklace consists of a combination of flowing and dangling grape vine leaves, which adds character, and wonderful movement to the piece. The chain is a curb link style, which is durable, and features a spring ring clasp in perfect working order. The earrings match the pendant perfectly, and are for pierced ears. The earrings feature posts and secure butterfly backings. This exquisite vintage set looks stunning when worn, truly a wonderful addition to any vintage fine jewelry collection.

History: Black Hills gold jewelry is a type of jewelry manufactured in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It was first created in the 1870s during the Black Hills Gold Rush by a French goldsmith named Henri LeBeau, who is said to have dreamed about the design after passing out from thirst and starvation.

They mined gold in Nubia around 2450 BC. An Egyptian alchemist named Zosimos was the first to find pure gold (24 centuries before Columbus reached the Americas). The discovery of gold is attributed to the ancient Egyptians, who made jewelry out of gold.

Rose gold was first used in early 19th century Russia by the famed jeweler Carl Faberge in his famous Faberge Eggs, as was known as Russian Gold. Rose gold later gained popularity in the United States during the lavish and feminine 1920's, and was worn in engagement rings and fine jewelry.

The grapevine plant is without leaves in the winter and seems dead, but then, during its vegetative period, it comes back to life. This phenomenon is associated with ideas of life and death, rebirth, and regeneration. The primary symbolic meaning of the grapevine is indeed linked to notions of life and vitality.

Measurements: Necklace 16 3/4 "         Earrings 12.00 mm x 11.00 mm 

Weight: 7.50 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America, South Dakota 

Date: Circa 1980