Beatnik/ Modernist Enamel and Copper Bracelet. "Beatnik" was the key word for 1958, according to author Susie Dent, who studies such things. The beatnik revolution defines a movement by artists and writers against the establishment in the 50's and early 60s. Fashion reflected the sentiment. Women wore tight pants with loose shirts and sneakers, often all black clothing. There was an interest in beads, ethnic and handmade jewelry, and materials of choice were sterling and copper. Sleek studio jewelry of the earlier Art Moderne period provided a solid framework for the "hip cat" jewelry of the fifties.
This 1950s link bracelet combines the warmth of copper and the cool beauty of turquoise enamel. Calla leaves with crisply defined veins, parade in a line. They will look beautiful at any angle as they dance across your wrist. The underlying links are s-curves. 7 3/8" long, unsigned and very good condition. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! DH69-05 - $64
Post WWll Aluminum Modernist Brooch - W. Germany. Unusual aluminum jewelry was made for a time in the late 1940s in post war West Germany. This Modernist brooch convincingly has the look of set, finely graduated marcasites. The 1 3/4" brooch is entirely aluminum and is wonderfully sparkly. Signed W. Germany on the reverse. Excellent condition. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! DH159-07 - $30
This item has recently been sold.
Modernist Silvertone Pendant. This hefty 1960s silvertone pendant measures 2 1/4" long. The mirror-finished, lightly cupped disk displays a raised extravaganza of triangular "cell" shapes. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! LH153-06 - $22
1950s Modernist Artisan Art Glass Bracelet. Modernist jewelry is considered "wearable art." American Modernist jewelry was in full force after WWII. The emphasis is rather on design and craftsmanship than materials. Ceramics were extremely important in the Modernist movement, and were employed in various visual disciplines, even architecture. As the early 20th century Spanish architect, Antonio Guadi, said of his use of ceramic tiles in his dazzling architecture, "color is the sign of life."
This fifties modernist silver plated bracelet is striking with its moody appeal. It is handmade and hand-hammered. It measures 8" long, and has a toggle closure, so it will fit on the wrist comfortably. Each linked section measures about 1 1/4" long. Glazed pink and blue 13mm art glass cabochons are bezel-set and they are in very good condition. They have a stormy sky appeal. Because of the soldering of the bezels, the surface coloration of the silver around them is darker. Shipping/Insurance is free in the USA! DH134-07 back of Modernist bracelet - $83
'50s Beatnik Beads to Match a Tan & Sandals. These wonderful period beads are approx. 30" long. Large slices of dyed nut (approx. 1 3/8" across) are strung with mother-of-pearl beads interspersed. Colors of the slices are quite handsome: indigo, a dark cherry, and gold. Mother-of-pearl is white with some natural striation marks. Necklace opens with a standard brass spring clasp. Excellent condition. Shipping/Insurance is free in the USA! DH184-07 - $31
Art Moderne Geometric 14K Gold Brooch. The Art Moderne movement grew out of Art Deco styling. Best known for its distinctive architecture, the Art Moderne period in jewelry is geometric, blocky, and bold.
This 14k unmarked brooch measures 2" wide x 1 " high. Shiny, hollow tube construction, beveled edges. Small dimpled dent towards the end of left side. Shipping/Insurance is free in the USA! DH186-07
- $99
Modernist Silverplated Torque Necklace. This is a handmade silverplated torque for the slender-necked. If you are comfortable in a 15" necklace this will work for you. This has a big look--the pendant measures 3 3/4" long. The little spacers are ceramic, fashioned to imitate coral. The drops are feathery thin sheets which are hand-cut and irregular. Slight wear. Quite the period piece. Shipping/Insurance is free in the USA! DH205-07 - $30
Retro Gold on Sterling Big Flower Brooch, 1940s. Jewelry of the Retro period truly developed an "American" look, often influenced by Hollywood. The American economy was experiencing a recovery and styles were big and bold.
This large brooch measures 3 1/2" long. Four bright rhinestones accent the flower pistils. The condition of the gold on the sterling is the best I have seen. Coverage is still very good and thick, front and back. Plaque on back is marked "STERLING." Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! DH218-07 - $60
Retro Pink & Yellow Goldplated Rose Brooch. This brooch dates to the 1940s. Pink gold was extremely popular and important in Retro period designs. Many oversized brooches date to this period. This one meaures 3 7/8" tall. The rose is pink goldplated and the leaves are yellow goldplated with a pink wrapped ribbon. The finish is very bright. This type of brooch was handmade. Very slight surface wear. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! DH238-07 - $33
Retro Gold Filled Cultured Pearl Earrings. These Retro Period gold filled screwback earrings are signed with a maker's mark I can't identify that looks like a Victorian "G". The earrings are 13/16" tall, with typical Retro scrollwork and geometry. The white cultured pearls are each 4mm. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! DH240-07 - $37
Retro Large Brass Butterfly Brooch. This period brooch measures 2 5/8" across. The brass has a lovely mellow, shiny patina. The brass butterfly is enhanced with tiny repousse beads stamped from the back. A very special brooch to perch on your jacket lapel. Very good condition. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! DH256-07 - $44
Modernist Sterling and Pearl Ring. A sterling Modernist ring, size 5 3/4. The 6mm cultured pearl has a lovely luster and is fetchingly set next to a silver swirl in the setting. The ring is signed "R.E.M." and "sterling." Very good condition. Shipping/Insurance free in the USA! DH285-07 Another View - $42
Scandinavian Sterling Modernist Ring. Modernism has been called the "wearable art movement". The dynamic work of studio jewelers reflected the social revolutions of the mid twentieth century.
A large elongated cabochon is the centerpiece for this vintage Modernist ring. The cabochon is 21mm long and a fiery red-orange foiled art glass. It is set on a bark-textured rectangle. The adjustable shank is similarly textured. The ring is unsigned. Very good condition. Shipping/Insurance free in the USA! DH287-07 - $75
Retro Period 14k Clip Earrings with Large Synthetic Rubies. Perfect for an evening event, jewelry from the 1940s Retro period has become very hot--and ruby red is such a flattering color! This pair of 14k yellow gold clip earrings measures 1" long. Large rectangular emerald-cut verneil (synthetic) rubies are suspended in open-backed 14k settings. The edges touching the stones are enhanced with a small scallop border. The clip backs are stamped 14k. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! LH250-08
- $290
18K and 14K Diamond and Synthetic Ruby Retro Period Necklace. This sumptuous and exciting 18k 1940s Retro period pendant measures almost 1 3/4" long. An unusual-cut barrel-shaped synthetic ruby is prong-set and situated in the center of golden curls. Arches of white gold hold four accent diamonds and span four gold scrolls. A generous bale can hold an oversized chain. The newer 14k figaro chain measures 23 1/2" long. Lobster claw closure. Both pendant and chain are marked 18k and 14k respectively. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! LH251-08
- $695
14k and Diamonds Synthetic Ruby Retro Period Ring. This 1940s 14k yellow gold Retro period ring beautifully walks the line between classic restraint and showy exuberance. The central emerald-cut verneuil ruby measures 11 x 9.5mm. The ruby is braced by an accent diamond on each white gold engraved buttress, bracing yellow gold scrolls. Size is 5 1/2. Very good condition. Free Shipping/Insurance in the USA! LH252-08 Another View Another View - $375
Retro Period Sterling Brooch With Amethyst Glass Stones. This 1940s Retro Period brooch measures about 3" tall. The modernist vegetal design is pink gold plated. The plating has gotten thin. Deep purple faceted oval glass looks convincingly like amethyst. Signed "sterling" on reverse. Shipping/Insurance is free in the USA! DH363-08 - $32
Bright Gold Plated 1940s Retro Brooch. This Retro bouquet brooch has a quirky appeal with its meandering wire stems. Measuring 2 3/8" across, yellow gold plating on this 1940s Retro period brooch is excellent. Set amidst swirling wire are three perky rhinestone-accented flowers. Safety style closure. Very good condition. Shipping/Insurance is free in the USA! DH368-08 - $30
Signed Renoir Modernist Copper Clip Earrings. The Modernist movement re-embraced many beliefs held during the Arts and Crafts movement. Handwork was valued and unusual or less costly materials were used. In modernist jewelry, silver is the primarily material used. Copper and bronze are also employed, more than gold.
These 1 1/8" long 1950s Modernist copper clip earrings are elongated oval swirls with bark-textured centers. Signed "Renoir" in script on silvertone clip backs. Shipping/Insurance is free in the USA! DH369-08 Another View - $33
