Catalog: Estate Jewelry (461)

This dramatic disk pin features a hammered surface decorated with applied wire in a stylized floral design. A framed dome graces the center and four applied beads enhance the edges of the wire work design. It has a secure trombone clasp and brass pin stem, both original to the piece. The piece is unmarked but tests definitively for silver, likely .800 or .830 and appears European in design. The pin measures 2 1/8 inches in diameter. Gross weight: 20.8 grams

These delicate earrings are from the late 19th century and test as 14kt gold, so they are likely American. Each is formed as a scalloped disc, decorated with a delicately engraved leaf. The screw backs were added later, possibly replacing kidney wires that allowed the discs to drop just below the ear lobe. One of the screw back bars is slightly bent, but secure. Each disc measures about 5/8 inch across. Weight: 4.6 grams total

These mid-century earrings are composed of rectangular and concave gilded sterling silver plaques enameled in a deep blue with a linear design under the glaze. The blue shows much brighter than in the images and more of a contrast with the two raised ridges of gilded sterling that decorate the center. They are secured by screw backs in good working order, and are signed Balle 925 for Øystein Balle of Norway. They measure 1 inch long by 3/4 inch wide. Weight: 10.1 grams

These two-sided silver cuff links are embossed with wavy lines on the large rectangular side and impressed wavy lines on the narrower side. They are marked .835 silver on the link bars, with what appear to be unidentified maker’s and country marks, possibly eastern Europe. The larger sides measure 7/8 inch by 1/2 inch. Weight: 8.7 grams

This complex bracelet has an almost glitzy appearance that belies its artistry, but gives it a formal look. It is composed of cast rectangular links of two sizes, alternating with organic, anemone-like elements; it looks to have been made from lost-wax casting. It features an iridescent finish that gives it a pinkish tone in some places; on one of the end links, the finishing process has left a darkened area. The bracelet is marked 835 on the underside of the clasp to indicate the standard for silver in some European countries. It measures 7 1/4 inches long by a little under 3/4 inch at the wider links. Weight: 38.1 grams

The clean design of this ring focuses on two sterling straps that secure a rectangular bar of tiger’s eye. The stone is in very nice condition with no chips or visible scratches; a tiny bit of adhesive on the mount provides it some extra security. The ring, which dates most likely from the 1970s to early 1980s, is marked sterling inside the plain molded band. It is a size 6.

One side oval, the other oblong; both sides are marked sterling. The bridge links are secure and the abalone is in nice condition, with no cracks or chips. The longer side measures ¾ inch long, the other measures ½ inch long.

Here is an impressive, hand-constructed pendant of wound thick wire around a square piece of polished spectrolite. The stone has a lovely iridescence, and internal yellowish bands. The pendant is permanently attached to a thick chain that has no clasp; both the chain and pendant are silverplated; the pendant bears the impressed mark of Walter Arnesen, Copenhagen (1968-1973). The entire necklace, including pendant and chain, drops 15 inches.

Sterling ring of adjustable design decorated with white guilloche enamel in a geometric motif. The enamel shows no damage or wear, and the ring is at its original size. It bears the mark of Aksel Holmsen of Sandefjord, Norway. It is a size 5.

This silver pendant has a delicate, organic quality enhanced by dark-green enameled discs and small orbs that read as stylized buds or sprouts. The silver frame could be sterling, and is coated in some sort of translucent acrylic lacquer. The pendant is unmarked, but definitely hand made. It measures about 1 1/2 inches long by 1 inch wide. Weight: 8.3 grams

With one side molded as lilies with fine detail, attached by a curved bridge bar to ovular anchor buttons. They are marked sterling with a script mark of L, possibly LaPierre Manufacturing Co. of Newark, NJ. Each flower measures 5/8 inch long by ½ inch wide. Weight: 5.6 grams total

This ring features an organic design of a textured, ribbon-like setting enclosing an untreated, polished piece of amethyst in lovely condition. The design is naturalistic, evoking a thick, curling vine with a texture like bark. The ring is marked ST925 inside the band, which is often seen on jewelry produced by Israeli designers. It is sized The impressive setting measures approximately 1 1/2 inches long by 1/4 inch wide by 1/2 inch high. The ring is sized at a 6 1/2 scant. Gross weight: 11 grams

This pair of nicely molded cuff links feature bold ray-like ridges on the oval sides and vertical ridges on the narrow sides, all enhanced with dark oxidation. They are European made, and marked for .835 silver; the country mark is hard to distinguish and the maker’s mark looks like a TK or KT. Hinges and joints are in very good condition; the main design has lots of movement and is very dramatic. Dating is probably the 1930s. The larger buttons measure ¾ inch by ½ inch. Weight: 11.6 grams total.

Decorated with a guilloche design of white enamel enhanced with a geometrical pattern, these sterling silver gilt cufflinks are an example of the fine work of Aksel Holmsen. A curved bridge bar securely connects each side. The enamel shows no loss or scratches; there are some small areas of tarnish along the edges of the silver, which has retained its gilding. The cufflinks are marked on one side of the bridge bars with the term Norne and on the other side with 925 for silver content as well as Holmsen's mark for his Sandefjord, Norway, workshop. The larger sides of the cufflinks indicate the country and sterling on the reverse; they measure 7/8 inch long by a little over 1/2 inch wide. Weight: 11.3 grams total

This interesting pin is constructed of four flat, interlocking rings and has a nice heft to it. The rollover clasp is original to the piece and in good working order. The back bears the maker's mark of a conjoined HT, an unidentified silversmith who also worked with Estela Popowski, as well as independently. There are four other marks on the back: an eagle 20, a Hecho en Mexico mark and two sterling marks. The pin measures 2 inches long by 1 inch wide. Gross weight: 14.9 grams

These earrings are composed of irregularly shaped, concave panels that feature applied abstract figures with outstretched arms. The background is highly oxidized, as are the tops attached to the screw backs. The oxidation is nicely distributed and shows very little wear. The backs of the tops have a mark of Plata/Taxco, as well as partial unidentifiable marks. The earrings measure 1 ¼ inches long by about ¾ inch wide. Weight: 11.1 grams total

This dramatic necklace is composed of linked panels of various shapes, decorated with applied brass wirework and pink stone beads, possibly untreated tourmaline. The modified figure-eight chain is brass. It dates around 1960, and the design is often attributed to the Mexican jeweler Maya, although there is only a partial mark for Mexico on the back. The necklace measures approximately 18 ½ inches long; the pendant measures 6 ½ inches long by 2 3/4 inches wide.

These cuff links are formed as gnarled bark, and appear to have a surface of light copper luster. They bear the mark of Pentti Sarpeneva of Finland (1925-1973), who worked primarily in bold designs during the 1950s and 1960s. The cuff links are securely hinged and measure 1 inch long by ½ inch wide.