Catalog: Estate Jewelry: Silver (346)

This interesting handmade pin is composed of thin interwoven silver rods that evoke an unfinished piece of textile. It is sturdy and the secure pin stem and clasp are applied so as to wear the piece on a diagonal. On the back is an applied plaque bearing the mark for Mexico and 925 for sterling, and an unidentified serpentine mark that looks to have been struck twice. The piece is possibly from the 1960s or early 1970s. It measures 2 inches by 2 inches square. Weight: 21.2 grams

This stunning pendant, in the late 1960s-70s Brutalist tradition, is composed of silver and set with an impressive sugar-loaf cabochon. The silver is darkened and features a highly oxidized center within a lattice-like design of roughly molded openwork. The back evokes molten lava with its wavy texture. The stone is likely a highly-included quartz, polished and showing hardly any wear, surprising given its 1/2-inch height. The bail is hand-formed and appears to be designed so that a thick chain is not necessary; it is possible the pendant could have been suspended from a neck ring. The top of the pendant near the bail shows a mark of 835 for silver content. There is what appears to be a ladder-like maker's mark next to it and the initials I.B.H on the other side. (The immediate area has been lightly polished in order to see the marks.) Research is continuing as to the maker and country of origin. The pendant measures 4 1/2 inches long, including the bail, and approximately 2 1/4 inches wide. Gross weight: 53 grams

This bold bracelet, probably American, has a modern sensibility that belies its ca. 1890 origins. It is composed of a polished hollow sterling silver curb chain with a sterling heart-shaped padlock closure. This padlock has no key but can be opened simply by a gentle tug on the lever mechanism and a gentle push to close. The chain has no marks (though tests for sterling); the top of the padlock indicates sterling, which suggests an American origin. The chain is undecorated and has no dented or misshapen links aside from a very minor impression one of the terminal links that attach to the padlock. The padlock has one long scratch on the front, visible in the photo; it is less visible to the eye. The bracelet measures 8 inches long (excluding the clasp) and 5/8 of an inch wide. The padlock measures approximately 3/4 inch across. Weight: 38 grams

This lovely sterling silver pin is a classic example of the Japanisme influence popular during the Aesthetic Movement of the late 19th century. It features embossed images of a dragonfly and two delicate plants as well as tiny marks emulating Asian characters, all on an irregular-shaped disk. Made by George W. Shiebler of New York City, the molding is sharp and detailed; it does appear to have a secure rollover clasp that would have replaced the original C-clasp. Besides the Shiebler mark, the reverse is marked for sterling silver and exhibits the number 1410. The pin measures 1 5/8 inches across. Weight: 17.2 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

This flower pin is well molded and nicely detailed, making an impressive statement. It is secured by a rollover clasp and appears to have been hardly worn. The back bears a maker's mark of what appears to be Dunez Originals. It is marked sterling and measures 3 ½ in. long by 2 in. wide. Weight: 15 grams

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

A substantial sterling silver necklace with interlocking block links alternating with molded cuboid elements. The cuboids or rectangular blocks bear impressed, oxidized linear patterns on all sides, giving the piece a sense of depth. It is secured with a lobster clasp that is marked 925 for sterling silver, and the necklace also tests definitively for sterling. Unclasped, the chain measures 30 in. long. Weight: 64 grams

This handmade wide band ring features a random design of molten drops on a textured surface. The irregular band shape has an upturned edge along the top, where the opposite edge comes to a rounded point. It bears the post-1967 Italian mark for silver, hallmarked for the city of Siena; the hallmark is double-struck, so the maker's number could read 722, 712 or something similar. The maker's signature is partially obscured, so that the first initial 'S.' is clear, as is the end of the name, 'gli.' Above the signature is the Italian phrase 'Fatto a mano,' for handmade. The sterling mark of 925 is clear, and the ring tests positive for sterling. It is sized at approximately a 5; re-sizing is not advised. The top of the band, at the measures nearly 7/8 in. at the widest area, graduating to 3/8 in. at the back, where the marks are located. Weight: 10.1 grams

Simple, elegant modernist earrings of irregular-shaped panels by Frances Holmes Boothby, bezel-set with cabochons of dyed black onyx. They have very secure screw backs and are marked fhb on the reverse of one, sterling on the other, with sterling indicated on both of the screw backs. The stones are in excellent condition, with no scratches, nicks or other issues. The earrings measure approximately 3/4 in. long by 1/2 in. wide. Gross weight: 7.4 grams total

A substantial bangle bracelet decorated with impressed and oxidized geometric designs. The pattern goes all the way around the bangle and appears to be random, giving it a quirky yet sophisticated look. It is marked sterling and dates around 1970 or earlier. The piece has a nice heft and feel on the wrist. It is 1/16 in. thick and 3/8 in. wide with an internal circumference of approximately 8 in. Weight: 36.4 grams

A dramatic, well-made sterling silver necklace of beveled links suspending a three-tiered pendant. The pendant is composed of three overlapping linked pieces of graduated size formed as rounded vertical elements with flattened tops and teardrop-shaped flattened ends. The entire piece is linked with securely soldered rings; the hook closure is hand worked. The necklace is not marked; it tests definitively for sterling silver. The chain part of the necklace measures 23 1/2 inches end to end; the pendant drops 4 5/8 in. and measures 2 in. at its widest area. Weight: 82.9 grams

These modernist earrings feature polished, irregular-shaped composite turquoise drops attached to serpentine pieces of forged sterling silver wire, secured by curled ends. They hang from commercial screw backs that are marked (and test positively for) sterling silver and are in excellent working condition. The earrings measure approximately 2 1/4 in. long. They are otherwise unmarked.

This sterling silver necklace has a classic, timeless look that makes it a wardrobe staple. It is composed of alternating round beads and larger irregular-shaped ones with a pocked surface similar to a hammered look. It has an unidentified maker’s mark, but is probably American-made. The strand measures 22 1/2 inches long, end to end. Weight: 53.2 grams

This impressive cuff bracelet has a Mexican feel, but is marked only for silver content and the mark includes “Silver,” which could indicate an Asian origin. The design features a recessed and oxidized linear motif with raised dots, and sits comfortably on a wrist measuring 6 ½ inches around the wristbone. The bracelet measures 1 3/8 in. wide, with a 7 ½-inch internal circumference, and a 1-inch separation at the terminals. Weight: 11 grams

This sterling silver pendant features a textured surface and is in the shape of an Asian-like symbol. It is marked 925 on the back, along with an unidentified mark. It measures 3 3/8 inches long by 1 ½ inches wide. Weight: 43.7 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

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