Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Sterling with Amethyst Post-Modern-Organic Brooch that Got Away

In Fine Jewelry > Modernist Jewelry > Show & Tell.
IVAN49's loves18 of 273Rare CoinAntique Victorian Skirt Lifter
13
Love it
0
Like it

rancherswiferancherswife loves this.
AnythingObscureAnythingObscure loves this.
laniebogslaniebogs loves this.
auraaura loves this.
FreshAirFreshAir loves this.
fortapachefortapache loves this.
rhineisfinerhineisfine loves this.
GillianGillian loves this.
kwqdkwqd loves this.
raven3766raven3766 loves this.
vetraio50vetraio50 loves this.
IVAN49IVAN49 loves this.
Vynil33rpmVynil33rpm loves this.
See 11 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 3 years ago

    FridaysJoy
    (14 items)

    I was unable to identify the maker’s mark on this remarkable brooch before I sold it. SF is (or was) plainly an inspired silversmith who knew a great deal about balance of composition, juxtaposition of line and texture, and metalworking in general. As simple as this brooch appears, it is my experience that “simplicity” does not equal “lack of sophistication.” In fact, the simpler a design with real beauty or valuable function is, the more thought and skill went into its creation. (Think of a safety pin, or the wheel—such “simple” things. Yet how much intellect was necessary for their innovation?) Never mistake simplicity for the work of an amateur. No, SF knew exactly what s/he was doing, here.
    This vintage 19?? Brooch is a slightly convex semi-circle of sterling that has been hand-worked so that its radial grooving resembles glacier- or sea-eroded stone, lending it a strikingly organic feel. Despite the obvious fact that it is metal, it looks very much like a piece of worm-eaten driftwood I found on a storm-strewn beach in 1982. (I’m the kind of person who saves fragments of rusted iron, smoothed sea glass, and worm-holed anything. When my husband and I were newlyweds 37 years ago, such things were the only “interior decoration” we possessed. A wooden bowl full of river-tumbled rocks was so beautiful, I have those rocks still.) But I digress...
    Great skill was necessary to craft the grooves in this brooch just so; a single ridge in the wrong place would have made it look contrived rather than born of earth or sea.
    At the center of its marvelous radials is an oval amethyst measuring 7.2mm horizontally and 4.4mm vertically. The amethyst is deep violet with flawless clarity and faceting that makes it sparkle from any angle, and it is cabochon set with an open back so light may pass through it and bounce off the faceting of its obverse. I’ve photographed it from several angles so you can see this is so. Its surface remains polished smooth, free of scratches (photo ).
    Framing the arc of the grooved semi-circle is a flat band of sterling at its top, and the band extends .25” (6.35mm) on either side so that it may anchor a perfectly congruent semi-circle of sturdy wire which floats about a quarter of an inch below the body of the brooch. The wires ends have been granulated into inward-pointing ball heads.
    The diameter at the center of the whole structure is 41mm (1.6”), the grooved semi-circle’s being 33.8mm (1.33”) of that. En toto, stands about 20.7mm (.81”) tall.
    The rolling C-clasp is placed at the bar side of the brooch so that it rests curve down, as shown in first photo, when worn.
    Weight: 8.4grams

    logo
    Modernist Jewelry
    See all
    Vintage Taxco Mexico TL-79 Western Sterling Silver Modernist Art Deco Bracelet
    Vintage Taxco Mexico TL-79 Western ...
    $96
    VINTAGE SOLID STERLING SILVER BUTTERFLY WING RING BY TLM THOMAS MOTT SIZE N RARE
    VINTAGE SOLID STERLING SILVER BUTTE...
    $126
    Lot Sterling Vintage Modernist Brutalist Jewellery Finland Bracelet Nugget Ring
    Lot Sterling Vintage Modernist Brut...
    $26
    VINTAGE SILVER RING MODERNIST DESIGN SIZE L 925 ENAMEL DECORATIONS
    VINTAGE SILVER RING MODERNIST DESIG...
    $1
    logo
    Vintage Taxco Mexico TL-79 Western Sterling Silver Modernist Art Deco Bracelet
    Vintage Taxco Mexico TL-79 Western ...
    $96
    See all

    Comments

    1. FridaysJoy FridaysJoy, 3 years ago
      I hope nobody minds if I post some of the things I've sold that were my favorites and now are in someone else's collection. If so, please tell me as politely as possible (I'm a tad fragile; on crutches ATM), and I'll remove the offending posts. There's plenty to show you of my own, rest assured. I simply take joy is sharing Beauty—yours or mine.
    2. rhineisfine rhineisfine, 3 years ago
      I'm glad you shared this, because it's truly beautiful! I love the elegant curves and the matte silver texture. A sophisticated and confident piece by an accomplished jeweller.

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.