Catalog: Estate Jewelry: Silver: Modernism (262)

A fine, unusual sterling silver and pearl two layered brooch in an abstract design. Inside layer has a darkened patina. Has three small pearls attached to the inside. Curved three dimensional design. Measures 2 3/8" across and 1" wide. Has a rollover clasp that holds securely. Has a cutout mark on the back that may indicate the maker, but we do not recognize it. Has a little tarnish. Well constructed, interesting design.

A vintage sterling silver abstract modernist ring from the shop of Walter Wright, a Los Angeles jeweler. Wright was an associate of Margaret De Patta and sold her work and other modernist jewelry. A five sided central design with three dimensional circles and bars coming off a blackened background. Approximately a size 10. Marked Walter Wright Sterling. Has some tarnish, a few scratches on the back of the band and a little wear to the black. Great example of mid-century modern studio jewelry.

A pair of pierced Mid Century Modern vintage sterling silver earrings with satin finish and contrasting oxidized areas. Opposites so frame the face when worn.

The earrings measure 3/4" at the widest and 1 3/4" tall including the hooks. Marked sterling multiple times on the back of each one.

They are in fine condition, with very minor surface scratches and some tarnish.

Lots of movement when worn...

A modernist sterling silver necklace by the noted NYC jeweler, Ed Wiener.

Has two curved and flattened links and a central longer piece with a cultured pearl nested in the center. The links are connected by curved bars with orbs at each end.

Measures approximately 14 1/2" around. The necklace lays gently on the collarbone due to the curvature of the design. Hook closure allows for an extender to be attached if needed.

Signed ED WIENER. The Ed Wiener is partially worn but still legible...

A rare modernist sterling silver cuff bracelet with a ruffled layer by the California jeweler and sculptor, Florence Resnikoff. She was the director of the Jewelry and Metal Arts Program at the California College of the Arts and a founding member of the Metal Arts Guild in San Francisco.

Etched with a cursive Florence behind the ruffle.

Measures approximately 5 1/4" around with an opening of 1 1/4". Probably better for a slim wrist. Can be worn with the ruffled part up or down...

A sterling silver hand wrought brooch by the mid century modernist studio jeweler, Ruth Berridge, (1921-2004). Looks like rows of randomly placed flattened pebbles. Curved for a multidimensional effect. Measures about 2 3/8" across and 1 1/2" high. Hand signed © Ruth Berridge, Handmade Sterling on the back. Rollover clasp holds securely. Fine condition with minor surface scratches and a little tarnish. This piece is from her estate. Classic Ruth Berridge design.

A pair of vintage modernist sterling silver cuff links by noted silversmith, Ed Wiener. Have a dotted texture contrasted by a more satin finish. Measure 3/4" long and 3/8" across. Marked Ed Wiener, Sterling. Toggles work fine. Cool Mid Century design.

A modernist sterling silver pendant with a large brown striped agate. This heavy piece is made from sterling silver that is hammered, textured and folded for an interesting 3-D effect.

Marked Sterling and what looks like script conjoined initials, maybe AH or AHP.

The pendant measures 2 1/4" long including the bale and 1 3/4" at the widest. The pendant weighs 33 gr.

Currently on a sterling 23" rope chain that has a secure spring clasp. Would look lovely on a neck ring...

A vintage large sterling silver and pearl Mid Century Modernist brooch in the style of Betty Cooke or Ed Wiener. Consists of three boomerang shaped pieces of thick sterling, tapering at the ends. Measures 3 1/2" across and 3" high. Has a rollover safety clasp that holds securely. Has some minor surface scratches and a little tarnish. Well made with a stunning design. Great studio piece.

A vintage modernist sterling silver stylized brooch with a Pre Columbian bird by the noted Peruvian silversmith, Graziella Laffi. The bird has a teal blue enamel eye and an oversized head. May be a duck. Body has an additional layer of sterling. The brooch is curved for a 3-D effect.

Signed Laffi Peru and 925 on the back.

Measures 1 3/8" high and 1 1/4" across...

A modernist pendant by the noted NYC jeweler, Paul Lobel. This pendant is made of twisted sterling silver wire ending with a exaggerated prong set clear orb. The orb can spin around in the 'cage'. Signed on the back, LOBEL, Sterling. Has a wonderfully darkened patina. There is a small scratch on the ring that attaches to the bale.

The pendant measures 2" at the widest and 3 1/4" high including the bale.

Original Lobel chain measures 17" and has a hook closure that holds securely...

A great, 950 sterling silver cuff bracelet by Haroldo Burle Marx with a large bezel set 'Forma Livre' opaque black carved stone.

Marked 950 and BURLE MARX on the inside. Measures 6 3/4" around with an opening of 1 1/4". Measures 1" at the widest. Weighs 104 gr.

Fine condition. There are some minor surface scratches to the finish. There is a slight separation at the underside of the bezel but the stone is stable.

Stunning example.

A modernist pair of sterling silver screw back earrings by Charles H. Cole, born 1908 and active 1930s-50s. He signed his work with a face hallmark. The facial features spell out his last name. Also signed Sterling and ©. Screw backs are also marked sterling.

Measure about 1 1/8" long and 5/8" at the widest.

Hand made, you can see very light hammering. They are in a floral design with cascading tendrils. Screw backs hold securely. Fine condition, from a talented silversmith.

An interesting pair of Sterling Silver dangle screw back earrings with rose quartz caged stones. The cage part is reminiscent of the work of Arthur King.

Measure 1 3/4" long and 7/8" at the widest. Screw backs hold securely. Marked Sterling on the back of each screw back.

Lots of movement when worn. Pretty rose color. Warm patina. Well crafted unusual design.

A rare hand wrought modernist link bracelet and matching earrings in Sterling Silver by the well respected jewelry teacher and author, Philip Morton. He is the author of the book "Contemporary Jewelry" where he demonstrates jewelry making techniques and highlights talented and noteworthy artisans. He helped found the Society of North American Goldsmiths in 1968.

Bracelet measures 7 1/4" long and 5/8" at the widest. Hook closure fastens securely...

An amazing hand made sterling silver modernist heavy cuff bracelet adorned with an inlay of shell by the renown Israeli jeweler, Rachel Gera.

Measures 5 3/4" around with an opening of about 1 1/4". This cuff is rigid and has no give...

A modernist, abstract Sterling Silver curved wire brooch by Ed Levin. Measures 1 1/4" across and 2 3/8" long. Partially struck mark, © Ed Levin, Sterling. Very nice condition. Has a little wear near the mark. Has a rollover clasp that holds tightly. Great design.

A vintage modernist hand wrought sterling silver link bracelet with thick sterling wire overlay.

Measures about 8" long and 1" at the widest. Marked sterling. Secure spring clasp. Fine condition with minor surface scratches and a little tarnish. Lays nicely on the wrist.

Reminds us of the work of Paul Lobel.

Well made and sleek design.