Catalog (516)

An enameled violin is suspended from an enameled treble clef, both enhanced with marcasite. The clef bears a rollover clasp on the back, and the violin is marked Germany/sterling silver. When worn with the clef at a slight angle, the 1960s pin measures approximately 2 inches long by ¾ inch wide at the violin. Weight: 5.2 grams

A highly decorative piece in gilded sterling silver designed with a graceful movement, this starfish pin has a rich, textured look. It features yellow-green guilloche enamel with raised graduated disks running down each arm enameled in white. The entire piece is jag edged, and has a convex shape. It dates from the 1960s and bears the maker’s mark of Ivar T. Holth of Oslo. Please note that the first two images show the truest color. The pin measures 1 ¾ inches wide. Weight: 8.3 grams

A charming piece composed of a sterling silver fish pendant on its original chain, this necklace exhibits the fine workmanship typical of mid-century Italian jewelry. The fish’s features are enhanced with cobalt and green enamel, and its tail moves on a hinge. All the pieces are riveted together, and the cable chain features flattened, oval links. The pendant and chain bear the Italian mark for sterling, registered Arezzo, dating 1944-1968. The pendant measures 2 inches long (including the bail) by 1½ inches wide; the chain measures 13 ¾ inches long when doubled. Weight: 24.1 grams total

Each longitudinal button is embossed with a Nordic sailing scene; there is engine-turned engraving lengthwise on the smaller buttons. The hinged bridge bars indicate the maker as Elvik & Co., of Oslo, and silver content of 830; the cuff links date c. 1960. The larger buttons measure just over 1 inch long by just under ½ inch wide. Weight: 8.5 grams total

This unusual sterling silver necklace is constructed of sections 1/8-inch wire in a wavy pattern similar to figure eights laid end to end. Each section is linked by flattened, securely soldered bands; it is a nice, substantial piece. The necklace is marked sterling on the band attached to the jump ring, as well as on the spring ring. It measures 17 inches long by 3/8 inch wide. Weight: 53.7 grams

The bold design of this cuff features Viking influences, with embossed traditional patterns on an oxidized background. The terminals are curved for easily slipping the piece over the wrist, and there are applied triangular plaques where a safety chain was attached. The bracelet is inscribed inside and dated 1967. The Georg Jensen post-1945 mark appears on the edge of one terminal, and the design number 78 is on the other. There is a 1/16-inch impact under one edge (see photo 5). The cuff has a 7-inch internal circumference; there is a 1-inch gap between the terminals, the band measures ¾ inch wide and the opening measures 2 ¼ inches across. Weight: 48.8 grams

This pin bridges mid-century modernist and Southwest aesthetics with its angular design and polished ceramic cabochon resembling turquoise. It’s marked 925 for sterling silver at one end; the original rollover clasp is very secure. The pin measures about 3 inches long by ¾ inch wide.

This silver pin evokes the late Arts and Crafts era with its hammered-look surface and serpentine vines, though it is definitely later. The applied coral-colored glass bead centers offer a nice splash of color. The hooded clasp completes the artisan look. The piece was probably made during the late 1950s-1960s to imitate the popular Scandinavian aesthetic of the time. It tests for silver, but not definitively for sterling, so could be European in origin. It is unmarked. The pin measures 2 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches. Gross weight: 18.2 grams

This bracelet's design is whimsical and marches to its own drummer, but is spot-on in how it is constructed for balance and comfort. The outer surface sports applied silver vine-like curls flanking a central garnet cabochon in an elevated bezel mount. The irregular-shaped terminals complete the quirky, expressionist influence exhibited in this very unusual bracelet. It is unmarked but tests definitively for silver. The band measures 1/2 inch wide; the inside diameter measures 2 1/2 inches across and the inner circumference, about 7 inches. Gross weight: 32.3 grams

The tiny, engraved diamond and cross motif gives this bracelet a rich yet delicate look. The 14kt gold surface exhibits no wear and is enhanced by undecorated sterling bands at the hinge and terminals. The hinge is spring-loaded, and snaps securely back into place; there is a hinged safety catch for extra security. The bangle dates 1950s or 1960s, and is marked 925+1/2014KAU, indicating the industry standard for gold-filled jewelry of 1/20 gold content over sterling silver. It has an internal diameter of 2 3/8 inches. Weight: 21 grams

A grotesque mask dangles from this silver key ring, suspended by a short piece of sturdy cable chain. The mask and chain are likely Mexican, evoking a grimacing face with bared teeth and hanging tongue similar to various masks of the ancient Americas. It is constructed of several elements, such as a headpiece, tongue and overhanging lip, soldered onto the the flat face; eyes and nose are incised. The key ring displays some wear commensurate with use as well as indecipherable markings. It is secure and usable. The mask and chain portion are not marked. All of the pieces test for sterling silver. The mask measures 1 3/8 in. long by 1 in. wide; the entire piece measures approximately 3 ½ in. long. Weight: 16.6 g

This distinctive ring features an organic design with an asymmetrical domed form. It is textured with wavy narrow ridges similar to seaweed. The inner band bears the mark of Spanish jewelry designer Joachim S’Paliu as well as the mark for sterling silver and dates 1960s-1970s. There is a curious crack on one side of the ring that extends up inside the top (see pictures 4 and 5). It doesn't appear to be damage or affect the stability of the ring. The ring is otherwise of a nice heft and quality construction. It is a size 8. Weight: 11.5 grams

This simple yet sturdy bar pin is unmarked but likely Native American from the 1950s or 1960s. It has a warm patina from age(although a cleaning after the photography has brightened the surface a bit) and its design is well detailed. A secure rollover clasp may have been added later to replace a C-clasp. It tests for sterling silver and measures 2 inches long by just under 3/4 inch at its widest part. Weight: 11.1 grams

A nice quality pin with a graceful design, set with a dyed blue chalcedony. It is American, with a maker’s mark of conjoined JM for Joseph Masaniello, a New York jewelry artisan who worked during the 1940s and 1950s, and was a friend and contemporary of Carl Ruopoli. The pin is formed as stylized calla lilies and leaves, with vine-like curls. It’s a substantial piece and measures 2 3/4 inches long by 1 1/8 inches wide. Gross weight: 15.8 grams

Here is a copper necklace with a sophisticated look that works for a variety of occasions. Made by Renoir of California, it lies neatly around the neck like a collar of copper fringe. It is nicely designed with alternating groups of graduated flat links, and has a secure fold-over clasp that bears the Renoir mark. Copper is almost as bright as the day it was made, mostly due to Renoir’s special coating to preserve the metal’s luster. Total length is 15 inches; widest links measure 1 inch. (See our listings for the matching bracelet and earrings.)

This lovely pin has hand-applied calla lilies and leaves on a shaped flat panel, with lovely detail and nicely aged patina. The safety clasp is secure, and the pin is marked sterling on the back. It measures 1 3/4 inches long by nearly 1 inch at its widest part.

Renoir of California had an affinity for primitive art, and the design of this bracelet is a good example of that inspiration. Part of the company’s Matisse line of enameled jewelry, this bracelet features oblong copper panels of two lengths decorated with blue enamel with white specks. The fold-over clasp is marked ‘Matisse’ on the top. There are some minor edge chips in the enamel on the back. It measures about 7 inches long by 1 1/4 inches at its widest point.

This substantial 1950s sterling silver pin is formed as molded leaves, with applied flowers and a vine at the base. It was made by the Bauring Company of Long Island City, NY, and is so marked on the back. There is a secure safety clasp. The piece measures 3 1/4 inches long by 2 1/8 inches wide.