Exceptional Memphis design large sterling silver brooch

1980's

Polish hallmarks

5 1/4" long x 1 1/4"

Excellent vintage condition

This pin is a late 20th century rendition of a traditional Russian balalaika composed of sterling silver strings and fittings on a triangular piece of amber. The neck has a layer of what looks like pressed wood to serve as the fingerboard. There is a mark for sterling on the back of the frame and what are probably the maker’s initials of SP; the Polish mark for sterling, 1986 to the present, is on the pin stem...

As with all of Dorothy Bauer's rhinestone jewelry, the stones are Austrian crystal and are prong set. The frame is constructed and soldered by hand. California designer Bauer creates some pieces in LIMITED EDITIONS. This Christmas tree is one of them and this particular tree is 26/120 as is shown on the back of the pin. The Bauer cartouche is also displayed on the back. A white leather-like storage pouch and a collectors' record and description are included. The pin is 2 1/2" tall, 1 1/2" wide.

Introducing Rick Shelley. Known regionally for his elegant and charming "bug pins", Rick is new to the larger American and world-wide scene through this website. Using a variety of materials such as, in this pin, imported glass beads, hand worked stained glass, and pewter. He also uses semi precious stones with gold and sterling silver...

Another Georg Jensen classic piece, this brooch, no 20, has a diameter of 1.75in (4.5cm). Bought in 1983, the brooch is in excellent condition. Truly a classic.

This contemporary brooch by French designer Pavone is made of galalith (a plastic derived from skim milk!). The little cat just oozes sassy personality and begs to be taken home by a cat lover. He is three levels thick--head and paws front level, body second level, and tail the third level. Great design. 3 1/2" tall, 1 3/4" wide. Pavone signature on the back of the brooch.

This grape design is sometimes called Moonlight Grapes. An early Georg Jensen design (1920s), it was updated slightly in 2010, including giving individual grapes more heft. There are three especially large ones at the top of the bunch. Designed by Harald Nielsen, it measures 1.5in wide x 2.75in long (4cm x 7cm). I bought it in 2000 and it’s in excellent condition, almost never worn.

A Dorothy Bauer LIMITED EDITION, number 56/120. Lovely Austrian crystal large stones in sparkling bright colors. All stones are prong set, and the form is constructed and soldered by hand. The Bauer cartouche is on the back and 56/120 is scratched on the base. The round base allows the tree to be free standing so it may be used as a delightful decoration when not being worn. A white leather-like pouch is provided along with a collector's record and description...

Lovely big statement flower form brooch hand made by Pono Italy in very finely made art plastic "moonglow" mother of pearl Lucite with variegated color in very pale blue with a glass bead and stitching in the center, and a leather back. Marked PONO. Nice size -- 2 7/8 inches in diameter. Excellent condition. The tiny red spot on the back is in the plastic. Photos enlarged to show detail.

Stunningly elegant! This brooch by Iradj Moini, premiere contemporary designer, is in a class by itself. Beautiful red glass cabochons and sparkling prong set rhinestones compose the piece. With its graceful curving petals, it is very three dimensional. Note the detail work on the back of the brooch. Superb craftsmanship. Iradj Moini signature on the back bar. Brooch is 4 1/2" by 4 1/2".