Vintage Modern Sterling Silver Jewelry
Mid-Century Modernist, Studio Artists, Arts & Crafts, Scandinavian
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FRANZ BERGMANN 1898-1977 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH. c. 1940s-1950s. Positive and
negative shapes, constructed from cut
out pieces in Silver and Forged Wire, with the negative and positive
half circles mirroring one another. One small silver bead floats
on a wire creating a subtle balance. Born in Vienna 1898, he received a degree in painting from the Vienna Academy of Fine Art. He immigrated to the US in 1925 and painted murals for theaters and private buildings. He opened his studio in San Francisco in 1940 producing ceramics and jewelry. He taught at the Presidio Open Air School, Mills College, California School for Fine Arts, and was one of the participants in the Walker Exhibition of 1948. Irene Brynner worked for him in 1949. Marked with the conjoined FB. Measures 2-3/4" x 1-1/8" Very Good Condition. Heavy Patina #3075,$450.00   |
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FRANZ BERGMANN 1898-1977 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH. A play of positive and
negative shapes, where arc shapes create this whimsical fish. Fish
Scales
reflect the dominate shape of for each half of the fish body. The
design is constructed from cut
out pieces of Sterling and Forged Wire. Born in Vienna 1898, he received a degree in painting from the Vienna Academy of Fine Art. He immigrated to the US in 1925 and painted murals for theaters and private buildings. He opened his studio in San Francisco in 1940 producing ceramics and jewelry. He taught at the Presidio Open Air School, Mills College, California School for Fine Arts, and was one of the participants in the Walker Exhibition of 1948. Irene Brynner worked for him in 1949. This brooch can be see in the book, Modernist Jewelry, 1930 - 1960, by Marbeth Schon, pg. 98. Marked with the conjoined FB Sterlilng Measures 2-5/8" x 1-1/2" Very Good Condition. #3076, $450.00  |
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FRANCES HOLMES BOOTHBY | VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH and EARRINGS, Inventive
design where the motif is cut out in the brooch and recessed and
blackened in the earrings. She was part of the Walker Exhibition of 1955, and the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the.companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon. Marked fhb, Sterling. Measures 1-7/8" x 1 1/2", earrings 3/4". Very Good Condition. #2497, $295.00  |
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FRANCES HOLMES BOOTHBY | GOLD AND JADE RING. Known for both
Handmade Silver and Gold work using semi-precious stones. There is an
airy elegant quality in this design with repeated circles in a variety
of sizes in a random pattern surrounding a beautiful bright oval Jade
cabochon. She was part of the Walker Exhibition of 1955, and the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the.companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon. Marked fhb, 14k Size approx. 6-1/8. Measures 1/2" wide in front Very Good Condition. #2658, $450.00  |
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BERNARD BRENNER |
BRAZED BRASS PENDANT, c.1969.
Dramatic design
that gets down to 'The Nuts and Bolts' of Wearable Art. I was informed by the collector, from whom it was obtained, that this was created in 1969 as one of ten by the Philadelphia Sculptor Bernard Brenner. A short bio and an additional work may be seen at the site of Christopher Ray, Sculptor/Curator http://www.chrisray.com/exhibit/show01/index.htm Not Marked. Measures a substantial 4-1/4" x 2-1/2". Very Good Condition. #2897, $150.00  |
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JULES BRENNER 1917-1991 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BRACELET, c.1950s. Striking design
with
subtle shifts in angles and sides with the a wrapped band raised from
the cuff. This bracelet is included on page 116 of the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon. Marked Jules Brenner Sterling. Measures 1" to 3/4", nice fit to 6-7/8"; could be slightly adjusted. Very Good Condition, with subtle patina. #2863, $525.00  |
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JULES BRENNER 1917-1991 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH, c. 1950s. Studied with Ed
Wiener in Providence, RI. His early works were primarily in silver and
wire. Marked Jules Brenner, Sterling. Measures 1-3/4". Very Good Condition with a lovely patina. #2530   |
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JOHN BRYAN 1897-1982 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH, c.1950s-1960s. This brooch
is a classic example of his 1950s work of "enamel on concave surfaces
offering stunning contrast in color and metals", as described in the
1956 Craft Horizons, as
cited by Marbeth Schon on pg. 221 in the book, MODERNIST JEWELRY
1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement. Marked Bryan Sterling. Measures 1-1/2". Very Good Condition with a slight patina. #2906, $225.00  |
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JOHN BRYAN 1897-1982 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH and EARRINGS, c.1950s-1960s. An
interesting Three-dimensional Spiral highlighted with Blue Enamel. Excellent of Bryan's 1950s work of "enamel on concave surfaces offering stunning contrast in color and metals", as described in the 1956 Craft Horizons, as cited by Marbeth Schon on pg. 221 in the book, MODERNIST JEWELRY 1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement. Marked Bryan Sterling. Measures 1-1/2", earrings 3/4". Very Good Condition with a nice patina. #2992, $245.00  Brooch Earrings |
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JOHN BRYAN 1897-1982 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER EARRINGS, c.1950s-1960s. Concave
discs with leaves; "enamel on
concave
surfaces
offering stunning contrast in color and metals", as described in the
1956 Craft Horizons, as
cited by Marbeth Schon on pg. 221 in the book, MODERNIST JEWELRY
1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement. Marked Bryan Sterling. Measures 7/8" x 5/8". Very Good Condition with a nice patina. #2827, $95.00  |
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IRENA BRYNER IRENA BRYNNER 1917-2002 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH, c.1950s. Subtle
depth marks this early Irena Bryner brooch. In this free form design,
the edges form a frame for the blackened recess, where a single pearl
balances
the asymmetric design. Ms. Bryner is one of the most celebrated mid 20th Century Jewelers, with international recognition as a sculptor and jewelry artist. She was born in Russia and was trained in fine art at the University and Art School in Lausanne, Switzerland. She, and her mother, immigrated to the USA; living and working in San Francisco where she recieved early training as a jeweler. She relocated to New York, opening her own shop. Some of her most prominent exhibitions include the Walker Exhibition in 1955, a one women show at the Museum of Contemporary Crafts New York, and Renwick Gallery, Washington DC. Her work is in many permanent collections including the Smithsonian, the Louvre and the Hemitage. Marked with her early mark, I Bryner, Sterling. Later she changed the spelling of her last name to Brynner. Measures 1-5/8" x 1/2". Very Good Condition. #3086, $795.00   |
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IRVIN and BONNIE BURKEE |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER PENDANT, c.1950s. Both Irvin and
Bonnie's academic careers include art study, teaching, fellowships,
travel, and photography before uniting forces to build jewelry, as well
as a family in Colorado. They created one-of-a-kind or limited
production pieces. This piece has a joyous use of semi-circles
and line. Is it a person, animal, bug, or just shapes that please the
eye? As von Neumann said in his 1961 book, "The Design and Creation of
Jewelry", 'Their works reflect well the free interpretation of subject
matter.' Their work is included in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the.companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, page 119. Marked Burkee Sterling. Measures 3-1/4" x 5/8". Very Good Condition with a lovely patina. #2821, $295.00  |
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VIRGIL CANTINI b.1919 |
PIN, Delicious Colors in the
Geocentric shaped design. Black outlines bring drama to the
piece. The enamel colors are Red, Red Orange, and Dark Blue. With the
signature delineation of gold line. Acclaimed for his work in enamel in Time magazine, 1953, and a professor in the Henry Frick Fine Arts department of The University of Pittsburg. He is referenced, and his work is included in, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, pg. 228, by Marbeth Schon; in the Long beach Museum of Art exhibit, and catalogue, Painting with Fire, by Jazzar and Nelson, page 265; in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, page 123. Marked in script, Cantini. Measures 2" x 3/4". Excellent Condition. #2789, $200.00  |
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VIRGIL CANTINI b.1919 |
PIN. Heart
warming symbolic design with lovely surprises. A Spring Blossom motif,
in in both bright and night colors, with subtle references to
time and space and references birth and rebirth. The Flowers seem to
float above heavenly bodies at night and day, simultaneously. The
enamels are pink, yellow, grass green, dark orange, and midnight blue
highlighted with his trademark gold pen outline. Cantini was acclaimed for his work in enamel in Time magazine, 1953, and a professor in the Henry Frick Fine Arts department of The University of Pittsburgh. He is referenced, and his work is included in, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, pg. 228, by Marbeth Schon; in the Long beach Museum of Art exhibit, and catalogue, Painting with Fire, by Jazzar and Nelson, page 265; in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, page 123. Marked Cantini, Stamped on the pin back. Measures 2" x 7/8" Very Good Condition. #2788, $200.00  |
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VIRGIL CANTINI b.1919 |
PIN, Reminiscent of a fossilized
fish executed in mottled blue, green, and lavender enamel,
with a deep blue enameled background, delineated in gold. Cantini was acclaimed for his work in enamel in Time magazine, 1953, and a professor in the Henry Frick Fine Arts department of The University of Pittsburg. He is referenced, and his work is included in, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, pg. 228, by Marbeth Schon; in the Long beach Museum of Art exhibit, and catalogue, Painting with Fire, by Jazzar and Nelson, page 265; in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, page 123. Marked in script, Cantini. Measures 1-3/4" x 3/4" Very Good Condition. #2788, $200.00  |
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VIRGIL CANTINI b.1919 |
PIN and EARRINGS, ENAMEL OVER COPPER. An
Imaginative Abstract leaf design of whites and blacks on a red
background; unusual use of center accents of gold and black domes
highlight these concave shaped wearable works of art. Acclaimed for his work in enamel in Time magazine, 1953, and a professor in the Henry Frick Fine Arts department of The University of Pittsburg. He is referenced, and his work is included in, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, pg. 228, by Marbeth Schon; in the Long beach Museum of Art exhibit, and catalogue, Painting with Fire, by Jazzar and Nelson, page 265; in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, page 123. Marked in script, Cantini. Pin measures 1-5/8"; Screw back style earrings measure 7/8". Excellent Condition. There is an area in back, next to the pin, where the enamel did not flow, leaving a small gap; this is original to the manufacture, and not after market damage. #2758, $295.00  |
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VIRGIL CANTINI b.1919 |
PENDANT, BROOCH, AND EARRINGS, c.1960s. Rich
greens and blue enamels in letters WQED, and numbers '63 and/or '61 on
the
brooch; A commemorative set. Acclaimed for his work in enamel in Time magazine, 1953; a professor in the Henry Frick Fine Arts department of The University of Pittsburg. He is referenced, and his work is included in, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, pg. 228, by Marbeth Schon; in the Long beach Museum of Art exhibit, and catalogue, Painting with Fire, by Jazzar and Nelson, page 265; in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, page 123. Marked in script, Cantini. Mary Lamberger 1960 WQED Campaign. Pendant measures 2" with the chain measuring 16". Brooch measures 2-1/4", disc is 1-3/8"-5/8". Screw back style earrings measure 7/8". Excellent Condition. #2751, $350.00  Pendant Brooch Earrings |
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VIRGIL CANTINI b.1919 |
EARRINGS, ENAMEL OVER COPPER. Acclaimed
for
his work in enamel in Time magazine, 1953, and a professor in the Henry
Frick Fine Arts department of The University of Pittsburg. He is referenced, and his work is included in, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, pg. 228, by Marbeth Schon; in the Long beach Museum of Art exhibit, and catalogue, Painting with Fire, by Jazzar and Nelson, page 265; in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, page 123. These earrings are Shaded Blues with subtle pink design elements. French clipback style. Marked in script Cantini. Measure 3/4"; clips an additional 3/4". Very Good Condition. #2880, $150.00  |
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VIRGIL CANTINI b.1919 |
EARRINGS, ENAMEL OVER COPPER. This
design
is thourghly 50s, with Shades of Blue, Red, White, and Yellow. Acclaimed for his work in enamel in Time magazine, 1953, and a professor in the Henry Frick Fine Arts department of The University of Pittsburg. He is referenced, and his work is included in, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, pg. 228, by Marbeth Schon; in the Long beach Museum of Art exhibit, and catalogue, Painting with Fire, by Jazzar and Nelson, page 265; in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, page 123. Marked in script Cantini. Measure 1-1/4" x 5/8". Very Good Condition. #3102, $150.00  |
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VIRGIL CANTINI b.1919 |
EARRINGS, ENAMEL OVER COPPER. Acclaimed
for
his work in enamel in Time magazine, 1953, and a professor in the Henry
Frick Fine Arts department of The University of Pittsburg. He is referenced, and his work is included in, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, pg. 228, by Marbeth Schon; in the Long beach Museum of Art exhibit, and catalogue, Painting with Fire, by Jazzar and Nelson, page 265; in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, page 123. These earrings are Shaded greens with a delicate red leaf design. Screwback style. Marked in script Cantini. Measure 3/4" Very Good Condition. Tiniest bit missing on back near edge. #2672, $150.00  |
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JOSEPHINE CATANZARO 1913-1988 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER CUFFLINKS, Minimalist
design with two wire arcs placed on a curved square, resembling eyes. Josephine and Antoinette were a sister team who lived and worked together throughout their lives. They taught jewelry making, exhibited, and owned a shop in Buffalo New York, The House of Craft, where respected craft artists placed their work. Josephine's work (Jo) tended to be clean and bold. They are referenced, and their work is included in, the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, page 124. Measures 3/4" x 3/4". Signed Jo Catanzaro Very Good Condition with a light patina. #3055, $150.00  |
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MAXWELL CHAYAT b.1909 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH, A nice example of
Chayat's movement within form; the arching thicknesses add to the
sculptural effect. He exhibited with the artist in the Walker Exhibition of 1955, and had numerous one man exhibitions in New York and the East Coast. Marked Chayat (arched) Sterling Measures 2-1/2" x 3/4". Excellent Condition with a mild patina. #2919, $225.00  |
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MAXWELL CHAYAT b.1909 |
BROOCH, Very unusual brooch in
enamel referencing Abstract Expressionist painting, with drizzled
enamels and accidental looking drops of fused glass He exhibited in the Walker Exhibition of 1955, and had numerous one man exhibitions in New York and on the East Coast. A large portion of his artistic efforts address Jewish and religious themes with commissioned works of religious objects. Most of his works were in silver and gold. This enameled brooch, takes exception to his normal modes. Marked Chayat on the pin back Measures 2-1/2" x 1-1/2" Very good condition. #2816, $325.00  |
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MAXWELL CHAYAT b.1909 |
PENDANT. Tree branch design double
layered casting technique. Two layers are soldered together at the bail
with each layer oxidized to create additional depth. He exhibited in the Walker Exhibition of 1955, and had numerous one man exhibitions in New York and on the East Coast. A large portion of his artistic efforts address Jewish and religious themes with commissioned works of religious objects. Most of his works were in silver and gold. Marked Chayat on the pin back Measures 2-1/2" x 1-1/2" Very good condition. #3059   |
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KURT
ERIC CHRISTOFFERSEN b.1926 for INTERNATIONAL SILVER |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH, A lovely wheat design
executed with delicate precision. Elegance in lines and
form are the hallmark of Christoffersen's designs. Eric was born in 1926 in Denmark. His training included goldsmith work for the Jewelry firm, A. Michelson and he graduated from The Academy of Arts and Crafts in Denmark where he became fluent in Goldsmith and Sliversmith techniques. He relocated located to the United States in 1949, and by the mid 1950s, was associated with the International Sterling Craft Society and The International Silver Company. Later in his career, he was associated the Artistic Wire Production Company and a Scandinavian Art Gallery in the Virgin Islands. Eventually he returned to his native County. Marked I joined KC and S Measures 3" x 3/4" Excellent Condition. #2824, $195.00  |
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ELLA CONE |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER STERLING SILVER BRACELET, c.1950s-60s.
An intricate design of florals/leaves/vines; nice 3-Dimensional depth,
at first appearing to be repousse, but cast, with nice weight. Ella Cone had worked in NYC, and also had a shop in Boston, where she presented Modernist as well as traditional designs. Marked 'ELLA CONE STERLING XTC'. Measures 6-1/2" x 5/8". Excellent Condition. #2708, $250.00  |
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BETTY COOKE b.1924 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH. Zenith design with
a delicate wire wrapping around one side and dropping down with a small
ball at the end. This well-balanced design clearly shows Ms. Cooke's
playful nature. She is referenced, and her work is included in, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, by Marbeth Schon; in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, numerous pages. Marked Cooke Sterling. Measures a large 3-1/2" x 2-3/4". Very Good Condition with deep Patina. #3071, $450.00   |
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BETTY COOKE b.1924 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE. Tubes and 5
circles; simple, with no bombast? Yes. But, this necklace incorporates
so much of her individuality that brings the wearer close to her art. Betty Cooke was fond enough of this theme that she included a sketch in her June 1995 Retrospective, Design.Jewelry.Betty Cooke. She is referenced, and her work is included in, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, by Marbeth Schon; in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, numerous pages. Marked Cooke Sterling. Measures 36" long, discs are 1" and 3/4". Excellent Condition. #2948   |
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BETTY COOKE b.1924 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE. Hard
wire collar with and innovative closure. The wire is bent in a large
hook that latches around the circle in the front of the neck. Betty Cooke Circular motif is one she finds endless opportunities for exploration with whimsy and elegance. She has participated in many Modernist Exhibitions and is the recipient of numerous awards including the De Beers Diamonds Today Award. She continues to create jewelry in her Baltimore Shop. Her working process starts with sketches, letting an inspiration germinate into to many variations until one idea is selected for completion. A sketch of this necklace design can be seen between plate no. 3 and 4 in her June 1995 Retrospective catalogue, Design.Jewelry.Betty Cooke. She is referenced, and her work is included in, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, by Marbeth Schon; in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, numerous pages. Marked Cooke Sterling. Measures 16-3/4", disc measures 7/8". Very Good Condition. #3019, $550.00   |
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BETTY COOKE b.1924 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER PENDANT. Although a pendant
with circles attached to a thin post, the pendant hangs from a delicate
leather cord in a mobile effect, with circles lightly floating in
space. She is referenced, and her work is included in, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, by Marbeth Schon; in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, numerous pages. Pendant measures 2-1/4" long. Cord is 32". Excellent Condition. #2636, $450.00  |
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ANNEMARIE DAVIDSON b.1920 |
ENAMEL PLATE. Trademark design.
Large
yellow and small round orange cookies, which she called
"Jewels"; incised radiating lines in the enamel form the decorations
for the plate; cookies are raised clear enamel bubble-like
embellishments. Her philosophy was to "create something colorful and decorative in order to make small objects, necessary in the home, beautiful." From an interview in the Cross-Country Craftsman, 1962. An example of a plate, with incised (sgraffito) lines was in the recent exhibition, Painting with Fire Masters of Enameling in America, 1930-1980, and the companion book of the same name, by Bernard N. Jazzar and Harold B. Nelson, pg. 266. Measures 6" Excellent Condition. #3003, $120.00   |
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ANNEMARIE DAVIDSON b.1920 |
LARGE ENAMEL PLATE. Trademark
design. Large Gold and Blue cookies, which she called
"Jewels"; incised radiating lines in the enamel form the decorations
for the plate, while gold foil highlights bring out the contrasting
colors; cookies are raised clear enamel bubble-like embellishments. Her philosophy was to "create something colorful and decorative in order to make small objects, necessary in the home, beautiful." From an interview in the Cross-Country Craftsman, 1962. An example of a plate, with incised (sgraffito) lines was in the recent exhibition, Painting with Fire Masters of Enameling in America, 1930-1980, and the companion book of the same name, by Bernard N. Jazzar and Harold B. Nelson, pg. 266. Marked with the conjoined AD Measures 7-1/2" Excellent Condition. #3095, $150.00  |
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MARGARET DePATTA 1903-1964 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH, c.1950s, Intriguing balance
in this hand wrought design. Although simple at first glance, this
design is
complex, based on varying architectural triangular shapes playing on
two
planes. A short sharp slope is balanced by a long gradual slope. Small
radiating triangles, etched near the crease, echoe the triangular
theme. Light reflection is an important aspect in the visual weight of
the composition, with high and subtle shine. Treatment of the closure
mounting evidences the handmade qualities of this early work. Trained in fine art, she attended the Academy of Fine Arts, in San Diego, the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco, and the Art Students League in New York. She first studied metal smithing with Armin Hairenian. Later, she attended the School of Design in Chicago, studying with Laszlo Moholy-Nagy. Composition, architecture, function, and constructivism were of primary concern in her work. Possibly one of the most influential metal artist of the mid-20th Century. Marked with the small script depatta, her emblem mark, and Sterling. Measures 2-3/8" x 1/2". Very Good Condition. #3081, $1,495.00   |
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GERTRUDE ENGEL | VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH, c.1950, Great depth and
wonderful detail in
this corsage-style design. Leaves are ribbed and bent as
if natural leaves. Marked with G engle in script, Z8, for 1950 and Swedish marks for Anton Michelsen. Measures 2-3/8" x 2". Excellent Condition. #3079, $275.00  |
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ROBERT and/or AUDREY ENGSTROM |
EARRINGS, Abstract design with
triangles, orbs, and squiggled lines in red, black, and white enamels
over copper. Robert and Audrey were a team and had a studio-home workshop in Michigan. Robert was on the faculty of Western Michigan University for 27 years. They had two pieces in the Walker Exhibition of 1955, and he was included in the 1959 Walker Exhibition; and they had four works in the recent exhibition, American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, at the Forty Wayne Museum. Examples of their work can be seen in the companion book, Form & Function, American Jewelry, 1940-1970, pg. 104, by Marbeth Schon, and a pair of red enamel earrings, similar to this set, can be seen in the book, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, pg. 143, by Marbeth Schon. Marked Engstrom in hand etched script Measures 3/4" x 3/4" Very Good Condition. The copper back has some tarnish. #2996, $125.00   |
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THEODOR FAHRNER | VINTAGE SILVER PENDANT, 1910-1914, Rounded leaves
and curls
in Silver with a beautiful translucent Chrysophase oval center stone
and Mother of Pearl
circular accents. Marked with TF and 800. Measures 2". Very Good Condition. #2469, $795.00   |
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THEODOR FAHRNER | VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH, September 12,1927- THE BREANDLE
STYLE,
Rectangle design in Mint Green and Sky Blue Matte enamel. The brooch can be seen on page 169, in a drawing from the Fahrner Pattern Book, in the book, Theodor Fahrner Jewelry..between the Avant-garde and Tradition by Hase-Schmundt, Weber, and Becker. Marked TF 935. C closure. Measures 1-3/8" x 3/4". Very Good Condition with a dark patina on the back. #2457, $495.00  Pattern Book Drawing  |
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FELICE |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BRACELET, Bangle
style bracelet with two swivels behind the center motif that move as
hinges to expand the bracelet to a larger size for either ease of
placing the bracelet over the hand, or to fit a large wrist. Round
Lapis stone in a bezel setting. Little is known of the history of Felice, but is believed to have worked in New York City in the 1950s. Another example of Felice's work can be seen at the San Francisco exhibition: A Day at The Grand Opening of Macchiarini Creative Design and Metalworks Gallery Marked Felice Sterling Handmade Measures, Center Motif 1-3/4" x 1-1/8"; fits 6-1/2" closed to 7-1/2" open. Very Good Condition. #3058, $395.00    bracelet open |
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ELSA FREUND 1912-2001 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BRACELET, Classic Elsa Freund design of
fired clay and blue fused glass, with the stone being surrounded in a
musical flow of swirling silver. Beautiful depth and intriguing
movement make this dynamic jewelry a wearable
art statement. Elsa Freund began experimenting with fused glass on fired clay with her husband in the late 1940s creating artificial stones she named "Elsaramics." Examples of her work can be seen in the books Messengers of Modernism, by Toni Greenbaum, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960 the Wearable Art Movement, and Form & Function, American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970 by Marbeth Schon. Signed "Elsa" in script on the back clay disc Currently a comfortable fit at about 7-1/4", but may be adjusted up or down. Stone measures 1-3/4" x 7/8"; front loops measure 1-5/8" high. Excellent Condition. Note: There are minute fractures in the glass are part of the shattered glass and fusing process. #2726, $1,250.00  |
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ELSA FREUND 1912-2001 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER PENDANT NECKLACE, Fused
glass on fired clay. The fired clay disc is shattered yellow and black
glass fused to red clay with a faux bezel mounting created with black
enamel. Sterling rods are embedded in the clay base. The pendant hangs
from a long handmade chain. Elsa Freund began experimenting with fused glass on fired clay with her husband in the late 1940s creating artificial stones she named "Elsaramics." Examples of her work can be seen in the books 'Messengers of Modernism', by Toni Greenbaum, 'Modern Jewelry 1930-1960 the Wearable Art Movement', and "Form & Function, American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970" by Marbeth Schon. This pendant design is featured in the recent exhibition American Modernist jewelry, 1940-1970, at the Forty Wayne Museum, and is shown in the companion book/catalogue, Form & Function, American Jewelry, 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, pg. 20. Signed "Elsa" in script on the back clay disc. Pendant measures a very large 4-1/4" x 4-1/4". Chain measures 28". Excellent Condition with some patina. Note: There are minute fractures in the glass which are part of the shattered glass and fusing process. #3057, $2,500.00    |
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MARY GAGE |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH, Scimitar, A fine example of Mary
Gage's Scimitar series featuring a bezel set natural Turquoise stone,
beaded handle, and hand-hammered blade. The hammer marks are
interestingly shown in the 'Back PIC' view. Mary Gage, 1898-1993, was a self-taught artist/silversmith that had shops in NYC's Greenwich Village and New England. She is referenced in Christie Romero's Warman's Jewelry, 3rd ed., pgs. 96 & 101, and in Elyse Karlin's Jewelry and Metalwork, pg. 238. Signed 'Mary Gage Sterling'. Measures 2-1/2" x 5/8". Very Good Condition. #2744, $195.00  |
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JULIAN GOODENOW |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER CUFF-BRACELET, A Sleek thick Modernist design. Julian Goodenow is referenced by Armand Winfield as one of the Late 1940s-Early 1950s Greenwich Village artisans, along with Sam Kramer, Ed Wiener, Art Smith et.al, in Marbeth Schon's Modernist Jewelry 1930-1960. Signed 'J. Goodenow' in Gothic font, ss Sterling . Measures 1/4" x 3/16", 2-7/8" wide with a 1-1/2" opening to slide onto the wrist; will fit up to a 7" wrist. Very Good Condition. #3010, $150.00   |
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RAY GRAVES b.1921 GRA-WUN |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH, Engaging Biomorphic
design. This black stone is left in its natural crystallized
state, cradled in Sterling. The sterling back is in two layers, giving
it a nice three dimensional effect. Ray Graves had his shop in the prestigious Lloyd Kiva Art Center, Scottdale Arizona. He worked in a variety of media and drew inspiration from both Native American and Modernist themes. A very versatile artist, his shop was open from 1959 to 2001. During his illustrious career, his work was known on several continents, high end department stores, and his clients included many celebrities. Information on Ray Graves and an additional example of his work, seen on pg. 169, of Christie Romero's Book," Warman's Jewelry", 3rd Edition. Marked GRA WUN. His mark combines his name, Graves, and a former partners, Berta Wunderlich. Measures 2" x 1-3/8" The stone is in Excellent condition. The Silver is in Very good condition with a slight Patina. This piece may have been a pendant at one time, as the pin back is made of stainless steel, and epoxied in place. #2785, $250.00  |
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DORIS HALL 1907-2000 |
ENAMEL PLATE, A free style design in opulent
colors; Mauve, Translucent Green, and Gold . Doris Hall and her Husband, Kubinysi, worked together as well as individually, producing work from the late 1930s to early 1970s. Kubinysi's primary function in the works were laying the groundwork for Hall's enamel paintings. They worked in both small scale as well as large scale projects in decorative art and jewelry. They received many prestigious awards, exhibited extensively, and were represented in galleries, and museums. Halls work was in recent exhibitions, Painting with Fire, Masters of Enameling in America, 1930s-1980s, at the Long Beach Museum of Art, and American Moderist Jewelry, at Ft. Wayne Museum of Art. Examples of Hall's work are in Modern Jewelry, 1930-1960, and the compainion book to the Ft. Wayne Exhibition, Form and Function, American Moderist Jewelry 1940s-1970s, by Marbeth Schon, and the companion book the Painting with fire, Masters of Enameling, 1930s - 1980s, of the same name, by Bernard N. Jazzar and Harold B. Nelson. Signed Doris Hall on the back. Measures 3" x 1/2" deep Very Good Condition. #3074, $175.00  For reviews of these exhibitions, go to: Painting with Fire http://www.modernsilver.com/june07/paintingwithfire.htm American Modernist Jewelry http://www.modernsilver.com/Americanmodernistjewelry.htm |
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HANS HANSEN |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH and Earrings, A nice example of Hansen's
Scandinavian Modernist boomerang/triangle series, featuring
subtle depth and soft movement. Signed 'Hans Hansen, 925s, Denmark, #113'. Measures a large 3" x 3/4", clip back earrings 1-1/2" x 1/2". Very Good Condition. #2727, $250.00  |
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ADDA HUSTED-ANDERSEN 1898-1990 |
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER and ENAMEL BROOCH, A
rare find. Very serene design with loverly complimentery shapes. Light
arches contrast square and triangular shapes balanced by blue
enamel patterns. A native of Denmark, she studied in Europe before immigrating to the US. Many of the masters of modernism cite her as a major influence in their jewelry and metalwork. In addition to teaching, she owned her own shop in New York City. Her work was shown in the 1946 First National Exhibition of Contemporary Jewelry, Museum of Modern Art, NY; the 1948 Walker Exhibition; the 1955 Walker Exhibition; and the Aloi's 1954 exhibition in Milan, Italy. She is referenced, and her work is included in, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, by Marbeth Schon, also in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon, numerous pages. Marked with the overlapping AHA hash mark and Sterling. Measures 1-3/4" x 1-1/4". Very Good Condition. Very faint craze in the center enamel section. Must see with a loop. #3014    |
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HURST-KINGSBURY | VINTAGE STERLING SILVER BROOCH by Joan Hurst and Jill Kingsbury, a rare
find, c. 1940s-1950s. Contrasting Linear and Biomorphic elements
with oxidized center addresses Mid-century Modernist Abstract Forms. Their work was shown in the 1948 Walker Exhibition. They are referenced, and their work is included in, Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement, by Marbeth Schon; in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970, and is included in the companion book/catalogue Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970, by Marbeth Schon. Marked Hurst Kingsbury Sterling. Measures 1-7/8" x 1-1/2". Very Good Condition. #2951, $395.00  |