Catalog: Estate Jewelry (461)

Delicate, leafy openwork distinguishes the sterling silver frame of this 1950s pin. It is set with a chrysoprase disk that has a transluscent ‘cobblestone’ pattern when held to the light. The back is marked sterling, and has a secure rollover safety clasp. The stone is in lovely condition; the pin looks to have been hardly worn. Total diameter is 1 3/8 inches.

Composed of geometrical open panels, this sterling silver bracelet is studded with tiny pieces of marcasite. It features a secure tongue and groove clasp and a sterling safety chain. There are seven marcasites missing, but it’s hard to tell without magnification because they are so small. The back of the clasp is marked sterling; there is also a sterling mark on the back of one panel along with a partial, unidentified maker’s mark. The bracelet opens to 3 1/2 inches across with the safety chain attached; it measures 8 1/2 inches long by 3/4 inch wide. The bracelet dates at least from the 1950s, and could be older. Gross weight: 38 grams

This late 19th-century sterling silver bar pin is formed as four graduated medallions with classical military profiles. It was made by the Frank M. Whiting Co. of North Attleboro, MA, and bears the maker’s mark on the back. The features of the faces are sharply molded and detailed. There is a modified C-clasp on the back. The pin measures 2 1/4 inches long and about 3/4 inch at its widest part.

Bold pendant earrings with a deeply oxidized design of stylized animal faces. The panels are impressed with the design, and there is a bit of wear to the oxidation, but the effect is still striking. The panels also have a graceful curve, which also enhances the design. There is no maker’s mark; one screw back shows a mark of 980 Taxco, the other, sterling/Taxco/Mexico. The entire length of the earring, including the rounded top, is a little over 2 inches. Weight: 13.5 grams

Composed of stylized S-shaped rods of sterling silver with beads at each end, joined by soldered connecting rings. The jump ring exhibits unidentified marks, probably European, possibly Italian. The necklace tests definitively for sterling silver. It measures 18 ¾ inches long unclasped. Weight: 11 grams

Cast with a patinated and textured surface, in an abstract form. The pin/pendant is unmarked, but tests definitively for sterling silver. The rollover clasp is secure and original to the piece. It measures 1 5/8 inches long by 1 5/8 inches wide. Gross weight: 8.8 grams

A graceful pendant made from a teardrop-shaped plaque, oxidized and decorated with applied abstract forms. A thick strand of silver is applied at one side and terminates in a loop at the top, forming a bale. The back of the plaque is marked sterling. The pendant exhibits some scratching, primarily on the back; the front oxidation shows some wear but still retains its dramatic contrast with the applied decoration. It measures 2 5/8 inches long, including the bale, and 1 3/8 inches at its widest area. It is pictured (no. 6) with a period long, gunmetal chain (J1673). Weight: 21 grams

Composed of two rectangular layers of sterling silver, top one curved and with a cutout comma-shaped design exposing a highly oxidized interior. The ring is marked sterling and has Joseph Skinger’s script signature mark. Skinger was a Vermont studio metalsmith who was most productive during the 1950s and 1960s; he died in 1967. I am told by Carol Skinger, Joe's daughter, that the design is known as 'Mountain Shadow' and was produced as choker necklaces, bracelets and pins. The top of the ring measures ¾ inch by 5/8 inch. It is a size 6 full. Weight: 5.3 grams

This studio piece features two engraved and oxidated textured designs on the main cuff, with an applied arching, overlapping band. Its distinctive, oblong shape is surprisingly comfortable and conforming to the shape of the wrist. It appears to have been hardly worn, and is nicely crafted. There is a machine-engraved maker’s signature, but it is very hard to read (possibly 'Carson'). It is also marked .925 for sterling. The cuff measures 1/4 inch wide; its internal circumference is 7 inches. Weight: 23.6 grams

This money clip is light but sturdy, with an openwork design that appears to depict part of the Chinese symbols for happiness. The surface shows very little wear and a soft patina. The back is marked sterling. The clip measures 2 3/8 inches long by just over 1 ¼ inches wide. Weight: 13.3g

Formed as a dollar sign, this money clip is of a high quality in terms of thickness and workmanship. It bears the mark of R. Blackinton & Co., of North Attleboro, MA. This particular mark was reportedly used 1900-1967, so the piece is dated conservatively. There is also a number, 2555 H, on the back. The clip has a warm patina, indicating some age, but very few signs of wear. There is a tiny imperfection at the bottom of the dollar sign, from either an impact of some kind or a manufacturing flaw. It measures about 1 ¾ inches long by a little over 1 inch wide. Weight: 16 grams

This simple, well-designed sterling silver necklace has a sleek modernist design of long, rectangular bars with a wood-textured surface. The result is a classic, wearable necklace with versatility and style. The bars are securely connected by soldered rings, with the original spring-ring clasp. The maker’s mark is a geometrical symbol and not identified at this time; there is also a mark for sterling. The necklace measures 16 ¼ inches long, unclasped, and ¼ inch wide. Weight: 36.2 grams

Featuring a delicate, butterfly-like design, these earrings are unmarked except for a 925 sterling mark, but read Mexican in design. They measure 1 5/8 inches long by 1 inch wide. They are secured by kidney wires with hooks and are worn perpendicular to the ear. Weight: 5.8 grams total

Decorated with curled thick silver wire within rectangular frames. The frames are connected with curved flat panels; the frames are decorated with small nicks to imitate tool marks. The back of each frame is marked sterling; two have the complete maker’s mark of a conjoined JM, for New York jewelry artisan Joseph Masaniello. The bracelet measures 8 inches long by 5/8 inch wide. Weight: 34.5 grams

A distinctive, eclectic design of various size rings and impressed floral elements, probably ca. 1920. The chain tests strongly as sterling silver and is highly patinated, resembling gunmetal. It is unmarked and does not have a clasp. Doubled, the chain measures 16 ½ inches long. Weight: 58.9 grams

This pin exhibits a sturdy, well-molded design of a pharoah's head with fine detail. It is secured by the original rollover clasp, and is marked sterling on the back. There is no maker’s mark. The pin measures 1 1/2 inches long by 1 ½ inches wide and dates 1950s-1960s. Gross weight: 20.7 grams

This sterling silver bar pin is cast as three poinsettias. It has a nice heft and is very well made. It is probably American, with a conjoined JR 43 mark on the back. The rollover clasp is in good working order. It measures 2 ¾ inches long by 1 1/8 inches wide. Weight: 13.3 grams

This sturdy cuff bracelet features a ribbed design that runs horizontally along the entire piece. It has kept its shape and has a soft, warm patina from age. A few very minor scratches, hardly noticeable without magnification. The inside is marked sterling; there is no maker’s mark. While it has a Mexican feel, it is probably American-made. The cuff has a graduated width, measuring 1 3/8 inches at its widest area; the inside circumference measures 6 5/6 inches. Weight: 38.9 grams