Kaleidoscope effect

Jewellery kaleidoscope

Kristian Hestenes vintage costume jewelry

Kristian Hestenes vintage costume jewelry

Soljer national brooch. 925 Sterling silver. 4. 5 cm. 1940s. Kristian Hestenes vintage costume jewelry

Kristian Hestenes vintage costume jewelry (1904-1993)
Norwegian artist Kristian M. Hestenes (1873-1928) began his career as an apprentice in the workshop of goldsmith Theodor Olsen. After completing his studies and receiving an official license to become a jeweler, he founded his family business in 1904. His first workshop and boutique were located at 89 Strandgaten, Bergen, and in 1927 he opened the second shop at Olav Kyrresgt 1, AS Smaragd.
Initially, he handcrafted spoons and kitchenware, but gradually moved to the production of silver and guilloche enamel jewelry. The master’s products became popular and the business expanded, which allowed Kristian to open another shop. After Kristian’s premature death, his son Magnus (1901 – 1984) took over the company in 1928, which ceased to exist in 1993.

Noteworthy, part of the jewelry production was the creation of Soljer national jewelry adorning women’s bunads, or traditional folk costumes. Making Soljer jewelry, silversmiths used 830 and 925 silver, creating intricate filigree designs. According to belief, the round motif of solje brooches traditionally represents the sun, and the hanging “leaves” or “spoons” protect the wearer from evil. Women wore these jewelry decorations as part of their wedding dress, or on big holidays.

Mountain lake scenic design oval shaped brooch. Sterling silver, enamel

Mountain lake scenic design oval shaped brooch. Sterling silver, enamel

Signature

Signature

Kristian Hestenes vintage costume jewelry

830s Sterling Silver Cufflinks

830s Sterling Silver Cufflinks

Art Deco 830s Sterling Silver Cufflinks

Art Deco 830s Sterling Silver Cufflinks

Bell flower wild flowers design bracelet. Sterling silver, guilloche enamel

Bell flower wild flowers design bracelet. Sterling silver, guilloche enamel

Guilloche enamel handpainted sterling silver bracelet

Guilloche enamel handpainted sterling silver bracelet

Norway KH sterling marked

Norway KH sterling marked

Jumping deer oval shaped pendant. 925 sterling silver, enamel

Jumping deer oval shaped pendant. 925 sterling silver, enamel

Lilies of the valley clip on earrings. Black and white enamel, sterling silver. 1960s

Lilies of the valley clip on earrings. Black and white enamel, sterling silver. 1960s

Night landscape with moss oval shaped brooch. 925 sterling silver, enamel

Night landscape with moss oval shaped brooch. 925 sterling silver, enamel

Royal blue enamel butterfly earrings. Gold plated sterling silver. 1940s

Royal blue enamel butterfly earrings. Gold plated sterling silver. 1940s

Seascape oval shaped brooch. 925 sterling silver, enamel. 6 cm. 1940s

Seascape oval shaped brooch. 925 sterling silver, enamel. 6 cm. 1940s

Shell design screw back earrings. Sterling silver, guilloche enamel

Shell design screw back earrings. Sterling silver, guilloche enamel

Signature

Signature

Solje, traditional folk brooch made of sterling silver brooch

Solje, traditional folk brooch made of sterling silver brooch

Tulip flower and leaf Art Deco brooch. Gold plated sterling silver, enamel. 1930s

Tulip flower and leaf Art Deco brooch. Gold plated sterling silver, enamel. 1930s

Wild flowers design bracelet. Sterling silver, guilloche enamel

Wild flowers design bracelet. Sterling silver, guilloche enamel

Signature

Maker’s mark