Recently Sold (VE370)

Alaskan Nights - Vintage Signed 'Continental' Rhodium Plated Black Alaskan Diamond Clip-On Earrings. These lovely earrings are crafted from rhodium plate, signed 'Continental'  Featuring two genuine round black Alaskan diamonds (hematite), vintage stying, and quality craftsmanship. The galleries on these earrings are a round shaped bezel, which are set with charcoal grey black Alaskan gemstones. The top of the bezels have wonderful scroll type designs, which add detail to the earrings. The earrings are for pierced and non pierced ears, and feature secure clip-on backings. These pretty earrings would make a wonderful addition to any vintage jewelry collection. 

History: There were massive deposits of Hematite in the tributaries above Egypt. When an earthquake dislodged a deposit, it ran into the water, turning it red and deadly to the inhabitants downstream. Hematite has also been called “Black Alaskan Diamond” although it is neither black nor a Diamond.

Rhodium was used as a novelty in the early 1920's to demonstrate its chrome-like brightness to prospective customers by the plating trade. Commercially, rhodium's presence grew quickly by the mid-1930's.

The story of silver mining began about 5,000 years ago. Silver was first mined around 3,000 BCE in Anatolia, now located in modern-day Turkey. The precious metal helped early civilizations in the Near East, Ancient Greece to flourish.

The term "sterling silver" probably originated in eastern Germany when five towns formed the Hanseatic League in the 1100s. These town minted their own coins of 92.5 percent silver. When Britain sold cattle and grain to the League, they were paid in "Easterling coins".

In 1943, Sam Baker and Sol Mayoff became partners and set up shop in a 500 square-foot store front in a Vieux Montreal building. There, with four employees, they sold costume jewellery, various accessories and religious articles and became the small firm, Continental Jewellery.

Measurements: Earrings 17.00 mm x 13.50 mm      

Stone Size: Black Alaskan Diamond (Hematite) 8.50 mm 

Weight: 3.90 grams 

Condition: Good     Note: Chip on the side of one earrings on the black Alaskan diamond gemstone, not very noticeable from the top of the earring. 

Origin: Canada 

Date: Circa 1970