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MODERNIST JEWELRY, 1930-1960
The Wearable Art Movement
and
FORM & FUNCTION
American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970

$2,150.00 (item #M0146)

Large, beautifully designed gold cufflinks with amethysts by Art Smith; each is about 1-1/8" x 7/8"; constructed in two layers so the amethyst cabochons float in between; has typical Art Smith patination on parts of the gold; findings are marked "14K" and cufflinks are marked "Art Smith" (in script); cufflinks come from a private New York collection of a couple who purchased these and other pieces directly from Smith; fine condition.

Art Smith (1917-1982) was a New York silversmith who's African American heritage influenced his sculptural jewelry forms.  More than any other modernist jeweler of his day, Art Smith was concerned with ornamenting the human form.  His primitive-inspired, biomorphic constructions can only be truly understood in relation to the body. "A piece of jewelry, he said, "is a whatisit? until you relate it to the body...Like line, form and color, the body is a material to work with. It is one of the basic inspirations in creating form...(the question is) not how do bracelets go, but what can be done with an arm?"

Information from my book, Modernist Jewelry, The Wearable Art Movement.

SOLD (item #M1027)

Sculptural brass collar with spiral and ball by Art Smith; collar is about 16-1/2" around (including chain) and approximately 2" wide at the front; marked: "Art Smith" (in script); some light surface wear, otherwise fine condition and great patina.

SOLD (item #M0142)

Wonderful handmade pendant and chain by Art Smith; brass with copper; about 12" long; pendant is approximately 4-1/4" (including bail) by 3"; marked: "Art Smith" (in script); great patina, fine condition.

 $4,900.00 (item #M0141)

Rare copper '"jazz" cuff by American mid 20th-century jeweler Art Smith; approximately 2" wide (at the widest section); inside diameter about 2-1/4"; marked: "Art Smith" (in script); great patina; fine condition.

The design of the cuff undulates like a jazz tune and five applied brass eighth notes dance on a curving staff of five lines and four spaces--perhaps they are the first five notes of a jazz tune. Art Smith made cufflinks for Duke Ellington with the first five notes of Mood Indigo. "When former customers talked about Art Smith, they remembered interesting conversations in the studio at the back of the shop, how he would always offer them a snack, and how the radio was always playing jazz." (pg. 75-76, Modernist Jewelry, The Wearable Art Movement).

$1,200.00 (item #M0144)

Incredibly sculptural wearable art in sterling silver by Art Smith; collar and chain looks lovely encircling a neck; ca. 1950s-60s; approximately 16" around (can be adjusted smaller with the
chain); folded collar is about 1-1/4" wide (at the widest section) by 1-3/8" high (at the highest end); marked: "STERLING" and Art Smith" (in script); light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

 SOLD (item #M0140)

Sterling neckring by Art Smith that spirals around a fabulous piece of oval blue-green turquoise; ring is about 11-1/4" ; wrapped turquoise is approximately 1-1/4" x 5/8"; marked: " Art Smith" (in script); the turquoise is unusually colorful with quite a large amount of matrix and the top has been clear-coated to keep it all intact; this does not detract from the piece and I believe it is original; there is a tiny spot of matrix loss on the edge of the stone; otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #M0143)

Great design gold cufflinks with what appears to be jade cabochons by Art Smith; ca. 1950s-60s; has typical Art Smith patination on parts of the gold; each is about 5/8" x 1/2"; findings are marked "14K", but there are no other marks that I can find; cufflinks come from a private New York collection of a couple who purchased this and other pieces directly from Smith; fine condition.

$750.00 (item #M0138)

Fabulous gold bangle handmade by Art Smith, ca. 1950s-60s; most likely 14K ;outer circle is 1/8" wide at the widest sections; applied gold pods circle the inside and outside edges in four places; inside diameter about 2-5/8"; has typical Art Smith patination on parts of the gold; bangle comes from the private collection of a New York City couple who purchased this and other pieces directly from Smith; no marks; fine condition.

(item #M1025)SOLD

Stunning gold ring with amethyst by Art Smith, ca. 1950s-60s; most likely 14K; top section is approximately 1" x 1/2"; ring is about size 6-1/2' ; has typical Art Smith patination on parts of the gold; ring comes from a private New York collection of a couple who purchased this and other pieces directly from Smith; no marks; fine condition.

Great looking Ed Levin handmade ring; I believe it is early work; sterling with gold wash (some of the gold wash is worn); about size 9 and approximately 1/2" wide; marked: "LEVIN" (in block letters), STERLING"; fine condition.

$295.00 (item #M0175)

Fabulous sterling, modernist Ed Levin cuff, ca. 1950s-60s; approximately 3-1/2" wide at the front; inside diameter about  2-3/8"; has some flexibility; great patina; shows evidence of hammer marks that give it a wonderful quality; marked: "LEVIN, STERLING, BENN., VT."

SOLD (item #M910)

Rare and important modernist necklace by Philip Paval, sterling silver, c. 1950s; large pendant section is about 2-1/4" wide x 3" long; smaller pendant hangs down about 2-1/4" and is about 5/8" wide; chain stretches to 22" (including pendant part) when fully open; the piece is marked "PaVaL;"some surface wear, but otherwise fine condition.

Philip Paval was born in Copenhagen, but immigrated to the United States in 1919 where he lived in Los Angeles and had his own studio shop in Hollywood creating jewelry and hollowware for celebrities such as Rudolph Valentina, Elizabeth Taylor, William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies.

Paval had several solo and two-person exhibitions in prominent museums in Pasadena and Los Angels and was in many other exhibits and shows.  His work is in many important museum collections such as the  Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Newark Museum.

 SOLD (item #M0147)

It is rare to find a wonderful little ring like this by Sam Kramer who wrote about wrapping stones with wire in an article titled, Gems in New Contexts, Craft Horizons, Vol. 12, No. 5, 1952; ring is about size 5-3/4; top is approximately 3/4" x 3/4"; band is 3/16" wide; marked with Sam Kramer's  mushroom mark and "STERLING," fine condition.

$750.00 (item #M0147)

Great surrealistic suite by Sam Kramer; sterling brooch and earrings with attached pendants; brooch is approximately 2-1/2" x  2", clip-back earrings are each about 1-1/4" x 3/4"; each piece is marked "STERLING" and Kramer's lobed mushroom mark within a circle; nice patina; fine condition.

$1,695.00 (item #M712)

Great design modernist sterling earrings by Frank Miraglia, New York, circa 1950's; screwbacks; layered three-dimensional design approximately 1" x 1"; marked: "F. MIRAGILIA, N.Y. STERLING;" fine condition.

$450.00 (item #M0153)

Gorgeous pair of handmade earrings by Irena Brynner; sterling silver, gold, and baroque pearls; the back plaque is cut-out and the gold sections are carefully inserted and held by handmade prongs; approximately 2-1/4" x 2-5/8"; posts for pierced ears; fine condition; marked: "I. Brynner."

These earrings are pictured in my book, "Modernist Jewelry, 1930 - 1960, The Wearable Art Movement" and are also included in my upcoming museum catalog "Form and Function, American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970."

$1,500.00 (item #M0167)

Fabulous Irena Brynner gold serpentine ring; about size 4-1/2 (has a little give to it); marked: "I Brynner;" fine condition.

This ring is pictured in my book, "Modernist Jewelry, 1930 - 1960, The Wearable Art Movement" and is also included in my upcoming museum catalog "Form and Function, American Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1970."

SOLD (item #M0168)

Exceptional design by Ronald H. Pearson; ca. 1950's-60's; sterling with Baroque pearl; substantial weight; about 1-3/4" x 1-7/8"; marked: "PEARSON, STERLING;" great patina, fine condition.

$765.00 (item #M1004)

Ruth Roach sterling and gold pin from her "Wait For Me Series" titled "Napoleon IV"; about 2" long x 1" wide; marked: "ROACH, STERLING;" fine condition. This piece is from the collection of Patricia Roach and comes with an original handmade felt pouch with "Napoleon IV" on an iron-on label.

Ruth Roach (1913-1979) was an extraordinary, multitalented artist/craftsman who made a significant impact on the art world during her relatively short career. Her "Wait for Me" series was a one time project which she did for fun.  She drew intersecting freeform lines across a piece of paper which resulted in interesting shapes being created between the lines. She then cut out the shapes and later used each one to make a separate piece of jewelry.  The shapes accidentally dictated the basic designs of the pieces and, when Ruth translated them to metal, they became mythical, humorous beings to which she would add texture and bits of wire. This piece is picture in my article at MODERN SILVER magazine "Ruth Roach, Uncommon Jeweler" and a short biography of Ruth Roach can be found in my book, "Modernist Jewelry, 1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement."

SOLD (item #M821)

Sterling ring called the "Basket" by Ruth Roach who made only a few rings during her career; about size 5-3/4; "basket is approximately 7/8" square; marked: "ROACH, STERLING; " excellent condition.

SOLD (item #M1017)

Cubist design in sterling silver by Paul Lobel, "Stradivarius", c. 1945; approximately 3" x 1";  marked "LOBEL, STERLING"; great old patina; some light surface wear; otherwise fine condition.

Paul Lobel modernist 3-dimensional sterling seahorse pin, ca. 1950's; one of Lobel's most endearing designs; approximately 2-1/2" long; marked: "LOBEL, STERLING;" light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #M979)

Enamel "painting" on sterling plaque on velvet ribbon by Doris Hall; beautiful blue, cherry red, white and gold enamels depicting a young woman; curved plaque is about 2-1/2" x 3/4"; overall length of choker, including ribbon is about 12" (closes with a snap); fits small neck, but the ribbon could be changed for a longer one or the piece could be made into a very pretty bracelet; marked: "STERLING" and inscribed: "Designed by Doris Hall;" fine condition with no chips or cracks to the enamel.

Doris Hall graduated from the Cleveland Institute in 1929 and during the 1940s opened a gallery and studio in Gloucester, Massachusetts. She and her husband, Kalman Kubinyi later opened a studio/gallery in downtown Boston and lastly, a studio in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

Hall exhibited at the Walker Art Center in 1948. She originated the idea of making enamel "paintings" by treating her copper (or silver) as a canvas and drawing in a dried layer of opalescent crackle to produce an oxidized line.  She taught enameling form her Boston studio and influenced many artists who became well known, including Lilyan Bachrach. Her work was decorative, freeform, and colorful. (Information from my book, Modernist Jewelry, 1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement, pg. 102-103.)

$850.00 (item #M975)

1950s sterling and banded agate pendant by Henry Steig; pendant is approximately 2-1/2" long x 1-1/2" wide, 16" sterling chain; agate has a few tiny chips on top edge and minute chips on the bottom edge, some of which may have occurred when the stone was cut; marked: "STEIG, STERLING."

SOLD (item #M619)

Sterling ring by Henry Steig; about size 6; great quality and design; band varies from about about 1/2" at the front to 1/4" at the back, it is also about 1/16" thick; marked: "HENRY STEIG, STERLING;" fine condition.

$375.00 (item #M0155)

Henry Steig modernist sterling pendant with "wrapped" green stone; wonderful design; circular pendant is about 1-3/4" long (with bail) x 1-1/2" across; sterling chain is about 16" long; pendant is marked: "STEIG, STERLING;" fine condition.

Great little elliptical sterling pin with blue stone bead, ca. 1950s, most likely by Mary Parker; approximately 1 1/4" x 1"; marked: "PARKER, STERLING;" fine condition.

Mary Parker was a silversmith in Normal, Illinois during the 1950s. Her work is pictured in Jewelry Making as an Art Expression by Kenneth Winebrenner and my book, Modernist Jewelry, 1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement.

SOLD (item #M986)

Great looking abstract sterling pendant with pearl, ca. 1950's; about 3" long; marked: "STERLING BY SARA"; fine condition. Sara purportedly worked with Ed Wiener in the 1950's.

This pendant looks wonderful on a sterling neck ring by Fred Zweig.

$325.00 (item #M971)

A great pair of handmade, one-of-a-kind earrings by mid 20th-Century jeweler, Christian Schmidt; ca. 1950s; each earring has an ingeniously designed center pendant of wood with drilled holes that creates a very pleasant sound when it hits the silver; each is approximately 2-1/2" long; marked: "CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT" within a rectangle, "STERLING;" fabulous patina, fine condition.

Christian Schmidt was a Minnesota studio jeweler who exhibited at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in 1955. He did magnificent designs based on intricate plant and pod forms. He was a friend and colleague of Ruth Roach.

He exhibited at the 1956  "American Jewelry and Related Objects" competition in Rochester, New York where he won "Best in Class Awards" for a silver and gold pendant and a gold and ebony bracelet as well as a purchase prize for a silver bracelet. He also won awards at the 1959 Midwest Designer-Craftsmen competition and the 1958 and 1959 Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Competitions.

He was considered to be one of the foremost designer-craftsmen in the United States during his short career and was one of twelve jewelers whose work was accepted for exhibition at the Brussels World's Fair. 

His work is feature in Design Quarterly, issue number 33, 1955. (see The Wearable Art Movement, Part II by Marbeth Schon http://www.modernsilver.com/walkerarticle2.htm)

His work is also shown in Contemporary Jewelry–A Studio handbook by Phillip Morton and in my book, Modernist Jewelry 1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement.

SOLD  (item #M916)

Christian Schmidt sterling and stone crab pendant; about 3" x 1-3/4"; c. 1950s-60s; marked: "STERLING," and Christian's stylized "S" stamp; great patina, fine condition; purchased directly from Christian Schmidt in Minneapolis; a similar pendant by Schmidt is pictured in my book, Modernist Jewelry, 1940 - 1960, the Wearable Art Movement, on page 175.

$875.00 (item #M0176)

Hand-wrought sterling pendant by Minnesota mid 20th century jeweler Christian Schmidt; hammer marks are apparent on this classic Schmidt design; approximately 3-3/8" long; marked: "CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT, STERLING;" fine condition.

$550.00 (item #M0177)

Sterling pendant by Christian Schmidt; appears to be cast in the form of a peace sign; very three-dimensional high relief with good weight and rounded on reverse; approximately 1-3/4" long with bale by 1-1/4" diameter; marked with "CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT stylized S stamp, (STERLING);" fine condition.

$350.00  (item #M0178)

Sterling pendant by Christian Schmidt; cast; three-dimensional with good weight; approximately 2-3/8" long x by 3/16" deep; marked with "CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT stylized S stamp, (STERLING);" fine condition.

$450.00  (item #M0179)

Hand-made sterling pendant by Christian Schmidt; great three-dimensional design; approximately 2-1/4" long; marked with: "CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT, STERLING;" fine condition.

$450.00  (item #M0180)

Sterling pin by Christian Schmidt; cast; three-dimensional with good weight and naturalistic relief design; approximately 3-1/4" long; marked with "CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT," stylized "S" stamp,
"STERLING;" fine condition.

$450.00  (item #M0181)

Sterling pendant by Christian Schmidt; cast; three-dimensional with good weight and relief design resembling a leaf, tree or perhaps flames; approximately 3-1/4" long; marked with "CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT," stylized "S" stamp, "STERLING;" fine condition.

$450.00 (item #M0182)

A handsome pair of modernist sterling cufflinks by Christian Schmidt; great design; each about 1" x 5/8"; marked on the inside with Schmidt's stylized "S" mark; fine condition.

This pair of cufflinks is pictured in an article by Felt Lair about Christian Schmidt in Craft Horizons, May 6, 1960, titled "Jewelry by Christian Schmidt."

SOLD  (item #M918)

An elegant pair of handwrought cufflinks by Christian Schmidt; each is approximately 1" x 1/2", each is marked: "CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT" (in long, rectangular cartouche), STERLING;" excellent condition. These cufflinks are from the collection of Patricia Roach and come in an original handmade felt pouch.

$250.00 (item #M833)

A wonderful, early handmade sterling necklace by Ed Wiener; I have not seen this design and believe it is early (1940s-50s) and quite rare; approximately 16" around with eight joined silver plaques--the four in front with individually designed applied sterling primitive symbols; each of the front plaques is about 1-1/4" x 1"; shows light surface wear; wonderful patina.

 $2,950.00 (item #M0144)

ED WIENER STERLING "DANCER" BROOCH

One of Ed Wiener's most famous and well-loved designs, "The Dancer," inspired by Martha Graham, designed, ca. 1947; about 4" x 2"; marked: "ED. WIENER, STERLING;" beautiful old patina; fine condition.

This brooch is picture in my book, Modernist Jewelry, 1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement, on page 63.

Sterling pin with mobile-type pendant by Ed Wiener, ca. 1951; pictured on page 29 of the retrospective catalog for the exhibit "Jewelry by Ed Wiener" at the Fifty/50 Gallery in New York, 1989, in the section titled "Early Hammering;" about 2-1/2" x 2"; marked: "ED. WIENER, STERLING;" fine condition, great patina.

SOLD (item #M937)

ED WIENER STERLING PENDANT

Ed Wiener double pendant necklace; c. 1950s, sterling silver; about 2-1/8" long; 18" chain; great patina, fine condition; marked: "Ed Wiener, STERLING."

$1,200.00 (item #M0149)

Great abstract sterling bird pin by Ed Wiener; probably circa 1950's; I believe this is a rare pin, I have not seen it before; there is a touch of whimsy in the design--are there two birds or one? pin is approximately 3" x 7/8"; marked: "ED WIENER, STERLING;" good patina, fine condition with very light surface wear.

SOLD (item #M0152)

$475.00  (item #M1040)

Gorgeous, heavy gauge hand-hammered sterling collar by Tucson, Arizona metalsmith/jeweler, Fred Zweig; about 1/4" wide at the front tapering back to approximately 3/16" at the ends; inside diameter about 4-3/4" through the center (each one is slightly different because they are completely handmade).

Fred Zweig's collars are the nicest I've seen and are beautiful worn by themselves or with a pendant. They also transform pins into stunning pendants (see photos on html page).  It is possible to order more than one of this item.

$160.00 (item #C488)

Wonderful, highly three-dimensional Abstract Expressionist enamel on copper by Maxwell Chayat; about 2-1/2" x 1-1/2"; marked: "CHAYAT" on pin finding; fine condition.

$425.00 (item #M0162)

1950s modern design sterling ring with cat's eye stone by Everett Macdonald; triangular section is about 1" x 5/8", band is approximately  3/8" wide at the front, and ring is about size 11; marked; "MACDONALD, STERLING;" band may have been sized up at one time, but it was very well done; ring is in fine condition with great patina.

Everett Macdonald was a mid 20th-century studio jeweler who worked in Laguna Beach, California. He made mostly one-of-a kind pieces and a few very limited production designs. He was a modernist who initiated the use of nylon monofilament--strung between the negative spaces of his pendants and earrings, recalling the work of sculptors Henry Moore and Naum Gabo.  He exhibited nationally and won several awards for his jewelry, though his recognition was mostly regional. (from my book, Modernist Jewelry. 1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement."

$450.00 (item #M956)

Striking abstract enamel brooch by master enamelist Lilyan Bachrach; enamel on fine silver with fine silver wires and pure gold foil; in fine silver bezel with sterling frame; approximately 2-3/4" x 2-1/8"; signed in enamel on reverse: "Bachrach"; fine condition.

Lilyan Bachrach is a remarkable, versatile enamellist whose oeuvre includes jewelry, wall pieces, plates, bowls, mezuzahs, and switch plates. Her work flows easily between beautiful floral and abstract designs; she is equally adept at both. She has been enameling for over fifty years, studying with the "greats" such as Kenneth Bates and Doris Hall.

Since 1970 her Bachrach Art Enamels have been exhibited in museums and galleries across the United States.  Her commission work has ranged from cloisonné pins to architectural panels and religious objects.

Lilyan Bachrach is also an author; her first, very successful book on enameling was titled Enameling with Professionals. She has just published a new, expanded edition of her first book titled, Contemporary Enameliing Art & Techniques that discusses the techniques and materials for using vitreous enamels and has "how I work" chapters by over 30 enamel artists who share their secrets of working with the techniques of cloisonné, plique--a- jour, champlevé, etc. There are photographs of the work of over 55 individual contemporary enamelists.

Bachrach is also one of the featured jewelers in my book, Modernist Jewelry, 1930-1960, The Wearable Art Movement."

Read Lilyan's biography at http://www.modernsilver.com/lilyanbachrach.htm
Order her new book at http://www.modernsilver.com/booksales.htm

Beautiful abstract cloisonné enamel on fine silver pin by Lilyan Bachrach with sterling silver frame; approximately 2" square; signed: "Bachrach" on reverse; fine condition.

SOLD  (item #M997)

Pretty enamel and copper pendant by Lilyan Bachrach; approximately 4-1/2" x 7/8"; one tiny chip on the edge, otherwise fine condition; unsigned, from artist's collection.

$125.00 (item #M998)

Abstract cloisonné enamel pendant on fine silver by Lilyan Bachrach; red, yellow and black enamels; about 1 1/2" diameter; signed "Bachrach" on reverse; a little roughness on the edges but no chips; 19" rubber chain with silver catch.

SOLD (item #M999)

Enamel on fine silver cloisonné pendant by Lilyan Bachrach; great abstract design; approximately
1-1/4" x 1"; unsigned, but from the artist's collection; some roughness around the edges, but no chips or cracks.

$165.00 (item #M1000)

Exquisite cloisonné enamel on fine silver by Lilyan Bachrach with 18K and 24K gold; approximately 2-7/8" diameter; signed: "Bachrach" on reverse; two short lines (crazing) by the silver frame on one edge; otherwise fine condition.

$690.00 (item #M1001)

Exceptional repousee enamel on fine silver pin by Lilyan Bachrach; about abstract cloisonné enamel pendant on fine silver by Lilyan Bachrach with 24K gold granulation and 18K gold bezel on sterling silver frame; about 1-1/2" x 2-3/4"; no marks, though Lilyan did sign it in ink on the back of the frame--unfortunately most is rubbed off; from artist's collection; fine condition.

Wonderful, large, colorful abstract enamel on copper pin with gold accents by mid 20-century enamellist Miriam Peck; approximately 2-3/4" x 2"; signed: "Miriam Peck" in gold script on the reverse; a small chip lower right corner and some very fine radiating cracks from the corner and a chip to the enamel on the reverse upper left point that translated into fine cracks (see larger photo); enamel is stable and otherwise fine.

Enamels by Miriam Peck are not readily available.  She is mentioned in my book, "Modernist Jewelry, the Wearable Art Movement" on page 156. She exhibited at the Walker Art Center in 1955. She attended Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Art and created enamel jewelry in mostly abstract designs on fine silver and copper.

$350.00 (item #M935)

$1500.00 (item #M0183)

Philip Morton sterling pin; probably 1940s-50s; approximately 1-7/8" x 1-1/2"; overstrike mark: "PM STERLING;" very light surface wear; otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #M0166)

Hand-wrought sterling pendant by Philip Morton; c. late 1950s; approximately 3" long x 2-1/4" wide; no marks, but purchased directly from Philip Morton by the owner; fine condition.

$550.00 (item #M0184)

Ingenious sterling wire earrings by Philip Morton, circa 1946; pictured in his book Contemporary Jewelry on page 150; inventive hand-made clips hold spiral pendants; pendants are approximately 1" x 1/2"; clips are 1-1/4" long; fine condition.

$950.00 (item #M0185)

SOLD (item #M0186)

Wonderful mid 20th century pin and earrings set by Philip Morton; pin is approximately 2-3/8" wide x 1-3/4" tall; screw-back earrings are each 1-1/4" wide x 1" tall; pin is marked: "P M, STERLING;" great handmade quality and patina, fine condition.

SOLD (item #M0187)

Hand-wrought sterling earrings by Philip Morton with primitive design; approximately 1-1/2" diameter; brass clips, one of which is missing part of the clip (see larger picture on html page); marked: "P M, STERLING" (within a square); very light wear.

$350.00 (item #M0188)

The following pieces by Peruvian jeweler Graziella Laffi are mostly from one collection. This jewelry is a unique combination of modern and pre-Columbian design. Some of the pieces appear to be have been made early in Laffi's career--they have the soft patina of age and carry the indelible marks of hand craftsmanship.

On page 363, in the 1997 book  The Silver and Silversmiths of Peru – Patronato Plata Del Peru, Edited by Jose Torres De La Pina & Victoria Mujiea is the following information regarding Graziella Laffi:

Very rare hammered sterling ring with applied sterling bird by Graziella Laffi; about size 5 (can be adjusted) slightly; top is about 1-1/2" wide; marked: "PERU, G. LAFFI, 925"; fine condition.

$325.00 (item #PR009)

Sterling hand-made fish pin by Graziella Laffi; great three dimensional quality, approximately 2-1/2" x 1/2"; marked "PERU, G. LAFFI, 925;" great patina, fine condition.

$175.00 (PR029)

Exquisite hammered sterling box by Laffi with pre-Columbian Peruvian burial cloth on top (under plastic); I have never seen another like this; approximately 9-1/2" x 5-1/2" x 1-1/2"; box lined with maroon velvet; bottom of box has maroon leather-like material in silver frame; box is marked on inside lid: PERU, G LAFFI 925"; silver is in fine condition with light surface wear; velvet is in very good condition with slight wear; leather-like material on bottom has slight discoloration; plastic on top is slightly scratched but could be easily replaced, overall fine condition.

SOLD (item #PR002)

Rare handmade copper bowl by Graziella Laffi with handles in the shape of a pre-Columbian bird; wonderful verdigris; weighs a full pound; approximately 7-1/2" x 7"; marked: "PERU, G. LAFFI"; fine condition.

$375.00 (item #PR010)

Large sterling Peruvian eagle pin by Laffi with deep blue enamel eye and oxidation on breast; great 3-dimensional quality; a full 3-1/4" across x 2" high; marked: "PERU, G LAFFI, 925;" fine condition.

$375.00 (item #PR013)

Rare, beautiful sterling enamel necklace by Graziella Laffi; seven graduated fish pendants, each with an enameled eye in colors of turquoise, red, and blue green; necklace is approximately 16" long overall, fish pendants range from 2-1/4" to 1-1/2" long; enamel is fairly thick and in some places doesn't fill the entire eye circle (it is hard to determine whether or not this is original to the piece or is damage, but it does not detract); there is a very small section on the tail of one of the smallest fish that may have been caused when it was being tooled by the artist, otherwise fine condition; unmarked (this appears to be part of a set with the almost identical marked fish pin below).

SOLD (item #PR015)

This little fish pin by Laffi appears to be part of a set with the necklace above, but can stand on its own; layered and tooled silver with blue-green enameled eye; only about 1-3/8" long x 3/4" wide; marked: "PERU, G LAFFI, 925"; fine condition.

SOLD (item #PR016)

Stunning, large pre-Columbian sterling and enamel bird pin by Laffi; beautiful mottled blue, white, green and red enamels; approximately 2-1/4" x 2-1/4"; marked: "PERU, G LAFFI, 925;" fine condition.

$275.00 (item #PR020)

Fabulous handmade sterling buckle by Graziella Laffi with applied sterling bird with tooled decoration; exceptional quality; approximately 2" in diameter x 3/8" thick; marked: "G. LAFFI, PERU, 925;" fine condition.

This buckle can also be worn as a pendant with one of Fred Zweig's hammered sterling neckrings.

SOLD (item #PR006)

Wonderful hammered darkened sterling silver earrings with applied, tooled sterling cats; clipbacks; each is about 1" diameter and marked: "PERU, G. LAFFI, 925"; fine condition.

SOLD (item #PR007)

Fabulous sterling pre-Columbian cubist cat-shaped brooch by Graziella Laffi with blue-green enamel eyes; handmade with tooled surface; about 2" x 1-5/8"; marked: "PERU, LAFFI, 925"; fine condition.

SOLD (item #PR008)

Great, pre-Columbian design hammered sterling buckle by Graziella Laffi; about 2-1/4" x 1-1/8" x 1/4" deep, marked: "PERU, G. LAFFI, 925"; fine condition.

$180.00 (item #PR022)

Classic pair of oval sterling cufflinks in checkerboard pattern by Laffi; each is approximately 1" x 1/2"; marked: "PERU, G. LAFFI 925;" fine condition.

SOLD  (item #PR012)

Sterling pre-Columbian, cubist design pin by Graziella Laffi; approximately 3" long by 1-1/2" wide; applied, tooled decoration; marked: "G. LAFFI, 925;" fine condition.

$145.00 (item #PR011)

Large sterling pin by Peruvian jeweler, Graziella Laffi; figure of an Alpaca with wonderful tooled design; approximately 2-7/8" x 1-1/2"; marked: "PERU, G. LAFFI, 925;" great patina; fine condition.

Whimsical jumping fish earrings by Laffi, circled by spiraling waves; each earring is hand-made and uniquely tooled; each is approximately 1-1/4" diameter; clip-backs; each is marked: "925, G. Laffi, PERU;" fine condition.

SOLD (item #PR003)

Wonderful, large sterling and enamel anthropomorphic pin by Laffi; approximately 1-3/4" x 1-1/4"; beautiful red, green and blue mottled enamel; a few minor surface scratches, otherwise fine condition; marked: "PERU, G. LAFFI, 925."

$315.00 (item #PR021)

Great pair of large bird-shaped cufflinks by Peruvian jeweler Graziella Laffi; each is about 1-1/2" diameter; wonderful hammered free-form disks with birds made from layered and tooled silver; bird beaks protrude over the edge of the disks; fine condition; each is marked: "PERU, G. LAFFI, 925."

SOLD (item #PR004)

Sterling cuff by Graziella Laffi; handhammered with Mayan faces. It is rare to find a cuff by Laffi. Approximately 1" wide, inside diameter about 2-1/2"; marked: "PERU, LAFFI, $925; indentations on both sides of central Mayan face that appear to be original, otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #PR005)

Classic pair of sterling earrings by Laffi with what appears to be the design of the sun and pre-Columbian bird; clipbacks; each is approximately 1" x 3/4"; marked: "PERU, G. LAFFI, 925;" fine condition.

SOLD (item #PR019)

Pretty sterling and enamel bird pin by Laffi with mottled turquoise and blue-green enamels; about 1-1/2" x 1-1/4"; marked: "PERU, G LAFFI, 925" (marks are almost illegible).

SOLD (item #PR017)

Great pair of sterling fish earrings with blue enamel eyes, layered and tooled; each is approximately
1-2/8" x 1-3/16"; clipbacks; each is marked: "PERU, G LAFFI, 925;" nice patina, fine condition.

SOLD (item #PR014)

Hand-hammered sterling cufflinks and tie bar by Grarziella Laffi with applied Mayan figures; tie bar is about 2" long x 1-1/4" high, cufflinks are approximately 1-3/8" x 1"; each is marked "PERU, LAFFI, 925;" fine condition.

 SOLD (item #PR024)

Hand-hammered sterling clip earrings by Graziella Laffi with applied Mayan figures; approximately 1-3/8" x 1"; one clip is marked "PERU, 925, LAFFI, ;" fine condition.

 $135.00 (item #PR025)

Sterling pre-Columbian design hummingbird pin with inlaid stone (or enamel) by Graziella Laffi; approximately 2-1/8" x 1-3/8"; marked "PERU,  G. LAFFI, 925," fine condition.

 $185.00 (item #PR026)

Sterling pre-Columbian design pendant with inlaid stone by Graziella Laffi; with hinged bail; approximately 2-1/8" diameter; marked "PERU, LAFFI, 925," fine condition.

 $105.00 (item #PR027)

Sterling pre-Columbian design pin with enamel by Graziella Laffi; approximately 1-1/2" diameter; marked "PERU, G. LAFFI, 925," fine condition.

SOLD (item #PR027)

Sterling pre-Columbian design pin by Graziella Laffi; approximately 1-1/2" X 1-1/2"; marked "PERU, G. LAFFI, 925," fine condition.

 $165.00 (item #PR027)

A beautifully designed sterling bracelet by Hector Aguilar, probably ca. late 1950s-60s; about 7-1/4" long x 1/2" wide; marked with conjoined "HA" stamp, eagle stamp with #9, ".940", and "TAXCO, MEXICO"; fine condition.

SOLD (item #X550)

Very rare sterling silver abstract frog earrings by Hector Aguilar; approximately 1-3/8" diameter; c. 1950s; clips (may or may not be original); marked with Aguilar's 1948-55 mark: "940, HA (conjoined), TAXCO"; fine condition.

$335.00 (item #X093)

Large Hector Aguilar sterling orchid pin, ca. 1940s; wonderful detail, beautifully handmade; about 4" x 3";  marked  "TAXCO, HA (conjoined, inside a circle), 990;" great patina, fine condition.

When you own a piece by Hector Aguilar, you have a treasure. Mexican silver by Aguilar is always of the finest construction, materials, and design.  Aguilar's silver designs borrow heavily from pre-Columbian motifs--his style was bold, dramatic, and beautiful in it's simplicity.

Aguilar began his career as manager of William Spratling's Taller de Las Delicias in Taxco. In 1939, he left Spratling and established a workshop with the Los Castillos, the Taller Borda which he ran until 1966. Aguilar died on September 19, 1985, the day of the earthquake that nearly destroyed Mexico City.

SOLD (item #X598)

Hector Aguilar 980 sterling and copper earrings, ca. late 1940s-early '50s; each is about 1-1/4" long (including front of screwback) x 1-3/4" wide; marked with 1948-1955 stamp ("HA" between "980" and "TAXCO" and early eagle stamp; fine condition.

Huge silver pin by Coro; Hector Aguilar floral design, ca. 1940s; about 3-1/2" x 2-1/2"; marked: "Coro, MADE IN MEXICO, SILVER;" some light surface wear and stubborn tarnish; otherwise fine condition.

Gorgeous sterling and large amethyst ring by William Spratling, ca. early 1940s; top is approximately 1" x 3/4"; ring is about size 7-3/4; marked: "SPRATLING SILVER" in oval cartouche, "MADE IN MEXICO"; fine condition.

SOLD (item #X560)

Great early earrings by William Spratling, ca. 1940s; sterling and amethysts; screwbacks; each is about 2-1/4" long (including top sterling bead); marked with the "WS" print mark in a circle with "SPRATLING, MADE IN MEXICO;" amethysts show inside cracks and inclusions and there are a couple of rough spots on the exterior of the stones, but all of it appears to be original to the making of the earrings.

A similar pin can be seen on the Spratling silver site at Http://www.spratlingsilver.com/spratlingsilver_cfmfiles/main/search3.cfm?id=849

$565.00 (item #X561)

Beautiful William Spratling sterling cornucopia pin with three tulip shaped flowers of malachite; ca. 1944-46; about 2-5/8" x 1-3/4"; marked with Spratling "WS" print mark in a circle with the words "SPRATLING, MADE IN MEXICO" and "STERLING;" fine condition.

See an example of this pin with different stones and a slightly earlier mark at http://www.spratlingsilver.com/spratlingsilver_cfmfiles/main/search3.cfm?id=2956

SOLD (item #X563)

Very rare William Spratling sterling and copper married metals cuff, c. 1960s; band is about 3/4" wide; inside diameter approximately 2-1/4"; opening is about 1-1/4"; shows fine surface wear, otherwise fine condition; marked with Spratling's conjoined "WS" script mark and eagle with number "63."

$3,650.00 (item #X454)

Great William Spratling sterling cuff; ca. 1933-1938; about 1/2" wide; inside diameter approximately 2-1/2"; opening is about 1-5/8"; fits a larger wrist--would look very nice on a man; marked with "WS" print hallmark in a circle, "TAXCO, 980"; cuff has a small crack in the silver (bottom middle), but is stable.

$925.00 (item #X586)

Wonderful early 980 sterling pre-Columbian eagle pin by Rafael Melendez (c. late 1930s - 40s); great weight and quality; about 2" x 1-1/2"; marked with "RM" (conjoined, in circle). TAXCO, 980; fine condition.

$250.00 (item X652)

Great early handmade sterling Mexican necklace; exceptional quality; weighs about 5 ounces; approximately 16 1/2" long x 5/8" wide with ingenious clasp; marked: "MM, STERLING MEXICO, TAX, 980," and eagle marked with number "3"; nice patina, fine condition.

$535.00  (item #X606)

Pretty enamel and sterling pin with gold washed center; ca.1933; only about 1-1/8" x 1"; marked with hallmarks for Birmingham, England, 1933, and J.W.T.; tube hinge and C-catch; fine condition.

$105.00 (item #A230)

A very beautiful handwrought Arts& Crafts bar pin in sterling silver with apple green jade (or chrysoprase) cabochon; possibly Newcomb College (found in New Orleans); safety catch and flange hinge; approximately 1-3/8" x 1/2"; excellent condition; no marks.

$275.00 (item #A213)

Beautiful hand-hammered Arts & Crafts sterling cuff; approximately 1 &1/4 inches wide, inside diameter approximately 2 & 5/8 inches; will fit fairly large wrist; fine condition.

SOLD (item #A221)

A favorite Georg Jensen design; sterling dove brooch with beautiful patina. c. 1933-1944; about 1-7/8" diameter; tube hinge and trombone catch; marked with "GJ" in square cartouche, "DENMARK, STERLING, 925, 123"; fine condition.

SOLD (item #S470)

Very pretty 1920s yellow gold ring with platinum top, 10 diamonds of various sizes (I believe they are old European cuts), and blister pearl; from the collection of a woman who purchased designer pieces in the 1920s; lovely, unusual design; ring is about size 6-3/4; top is approximately 1" x 1/2"; no marks; band is very slightly out of round and a little thin at the back, otherwise fine condition.

$650.00 (item #A241)

Pretty pendant and screwback earrings set; sterling with what I believe is molded glass; pendant is about 1-5/8" long x 7/8" wide and marked: "STERLING;" earrings are each about 2-1/8" and are marked: "STERLING;" set is possibly German; pendant is on black ribbon; all are in fine condition.

Unusual, beautiful, Art Nouveau ring with snake design; handmade and most likely one-of-a-kind; from a Chicago collection of a woman who traveled extensively in the 1920s; sterling, enamel, gold (or gold wash--or both), and blister pearl; top section is approximately 5/8" long x 58" wide; snake motif appears to be slightly worn; blue, green, and reddish brown enamels can be found in the indentations of the design, I am not certain whether it is random enameling, or there is some missing; ring is about size 5-1/2.

$650.00 (item #A243)

Lovely Danish sterling skonvirke brooch with moonstone by Grann og Laglye. ca. 1910-1915; possibly designed by either Georg Thyulstrup or Jean Laglye; approximately 2" x 1-1/2"; marked with Dansk Arbejde (Danish Handicraft) stamp, "830S", and Grann og Laglye stamp; C-catch has been replaced with a safety catch; otherwise excellent condition.

A brooch by Gran og Laglye is pictured on page 119 in Danish Jewelry by Jacob Thage on page 119.

$295.00 (item #S481)

Gorgeous sterling pin/pendant with over 30 cultured pearls; pin with safety catch and bail for chain or ribbon; approximately 1-5/8" diameter; marked: "STERLING, 925;" fine condition.

SOLD (item #A239)

Striking sterling and carnelian brooch; beautifully designed with vine motif; exceptional large carnelian; approximately 3 1/2" x 3 1/4"; marked: "925"; fine condition.

SOLD  (item #A239)

Wonderful sterling Victorian "Owl on a Branch" brooch; highly 3-dimensional and delicately chased for realism; owl has faceted garnet or glass eyes; unusual C-type catch with rolled silver; no marks; fine condition.

SOLD (item #A211)

Art Deco style sterling and gold ring; top is approximately 1" square; ring is about size 8-1/2; no marks; some light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

$165.00 (item #A212)

Exceptionally beautiful  repoussé pendant by Henryk Winograd; approximately 2" x 1-1/2"; marked: "HW999 (.999 is the mark for almost pure silver); bail for chain; fine condition.

Henryk Winograd was born in Russia and studied in Poland.  In 1973, he came to the United States where he continued his work, producing masterpieces in the art of  repoussé in .999 silver.

SOLD  (item #A233)

A pendant to wear for courage!  Great design sterling  repoussé pendant of Don Quixote; about 1-7/8" (not including bail) x 1-1/2" x  1/4" thick; marked: "HW999 (.999 is the mark for almost pure silver); bail for chain; fine condition.

Henryk Winograd was born in Russia and studied in Poland.  In 1973, he came to the United States where he continued his work, producing masterpieces in the art of  repoussé in .999 silver.

SOLD (item #A235)

Incredible three-dimensional  repoussé pin/pendant by Henryk Winograd; approximately 2-1/8" x 1-5/8" and raised from the back about 7/8" ;  marked: "HW, 925"; two loops attached to back for chain or ribbon and pin with safety catch; fine condition.

Henryk Winograd was born in Russia and studied in Poland.  In 1973, he came to the United States where he continued his work, producing masterpieces in the art of  repoussé in .999 silver.

$275.00  (item #A232)

Great abstract German cloisonné matte enamel bar pin; deep purple background with red specks and rhomboid shapes in shades of blue, pink, and peach; 1-3/8" long x 1/2" wide; mark on back is mostly gone, but said "Made in Germany" in white; a few imperfections in the enameling which all appear to be original to the design, no chips or dents. This pin is pictured on page 129, European Designer Jewelry by Ginger Moro.

$125.00 (item #A081)

Beautiful softly rectangular ring by Sholtz & Lammel, Germany, probably ca. 1960s;  cloisonné matte enamel in deep rose and pink with gold-colored metal; rectangular top is about 7/8" x 5/8"; shank is adjustable--open in back; currently size 7; marked with "S" (in circle); fine condition.

SOLD (item #M1041)

Lovely oval ring by Sholtz & Lammel, Germany, probably ca. 1960s;  cloisonné matte enamel in red and purple with silver-colored metal; oval top is about 7/8" x  slightly less than 5/8"; shank is adjustable--open in back; currently size 6; marked with "S" (in circle); fine condition.

$165.00  (item #M1042)   

Pretty softly square ring by Sholtz & Lammel, Germany, probably ca. 1960s;  cloisonné matte enamel in pink and black with gold-colored metal; top is about 3/4" x 5/8"; shank is adjustable--open in back; currently size 6; marked with "S" (in circle); fine condition.

$165.00  (item #M1043)   

Charming sterling silver pendant and chain with molded scene of playful putti (most likely celluloid); pendant is about 2" x 1-3/8"; original chain is 22" overall; marked: "HANDARBEIT" (indistinctly); putti scene has had a break in the center that has been glued, otherwise fine condition.

$195.00(item #A240)

Beautiful subtle modern design sterling ring by George Jensen, Denmark; hexagon shaped; about size 8 1/2; ring top is about 3/4" in diameter x 1/4" thick; marked; "GEORGE JENSEN (in dotted oval), 925S, Denmark, 183;" some very light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

$475.00  (item #S574)

Fabulous, twisty sterling cuff by Hans Hansen, Denmark; inside diameter about 2-1/2"; cuff is approximately 2" wide (at the widest section); cuff has some give to it--will fit a small to medium wrist; marked with "HaH" for Hans Hansen, "GEORG JENSEN (in dotted oval), and "925S" (In the 1980s, the Hans Hansen company merged with Georg Jensen.); fine condition.

$875.00  (item #S575)

Georg Jensen sterling abstract brooch designed by Henning Koppel; approximately 2-1/4" x 2"; marked: "GEORG JENSEN, 925S, DENMARK, 339;" some light surface wear; otherwise fine