Kaleidoscope effect

Baroque pearl 18 gold plated cross earrings. 1990s. Active since 1972 Christopher Walling Jewelry Art

Christopher Walling Jewelry Art

The story of self-taught jewelry designer Walling began in his childhood when he was eight years old!
The son of the United Nations’ activist, he spent his childhood in the capitals of Lebanon, France, Switzerland, and West Africa. According to Walling, Africa influenced his love affair for color. In particular, the fabrics of African women’s clothes, the way they wore turbans, and their elegance. He was there for two years and undoubtedly, had great and useful experience there.
Meanwhile, in 1968 he moved to New York. Already in 1972 he began making his own jewelry line, which we now know under the name of Christopher Walling. Noteworthy, the designer became known mostly for his unusually shaped and rare baroque pearl and diamond jewelry. His work has significantly influenced modern jewelry, featured in various TV programs. In particular, two PBS documentaries, the Nova program, “Mystique of the Pearl” and the Nature special “Diamonds.”
Described by Sotheby’s as “undoubtedly one of the most exciting jewelry designers”, his creations have adorned many celebrities. Among them Maya Angelou, Linda Gray, Brook Hayward, Jasper Johns, Alex Katz, Queen Noor of Jordan, Danielle Steele, Renee Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor and others.
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Apple patriotic brooch with American flag. Gold tone jewelry alloy, clear rhinestones, blue, red and white enamel. Signed Wlind vintage costume jewelry

Wlind vintage costume jewelry
The history of costume jewelry brand “Wlind” began in 1968. Traditionally made of gold or silver, with the use of rhinestones, faux pearl and enamel, each piece has marking. In particular, SP Wlind (silver plated Wlind), or G.E. Wlind (Gold Electroplate), or just Wlind.
Made in 1960-1980s, Wlind vintage decorations are collectible. Originally, the trademark was a division of the marketing company Suarez Corporation Industries, based in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1990, the company working in the area of jewelry production changed name to Lindenwold Fine Jewelers. The company became a supplier of fine and fashion jewelry, and one of the largest direct-to-consumer jewelers in the world.
Noteworthy, the Lindenwold Fine Jewelers company faced at least two lawsuits. First, for copyright infringement for selling a jewel that imitated necklace in “Titanic”. Second, for misleading marketing practices in the sale of loose Cubic zirconia stones.
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Modernist style moth and flowers round brooch pendant. Sterling silver. Work by Dutch jeweler Georg Arthur Jensen (1866-1935)

Dutch jeweler Georg Arthur Jensen
Born in the city of Raadwad, north of Copenhagen, Georg Arthur Jensen (1866-1935) was a famous Danish jeweler, silversmith, and founder of the eponymous company. Aged fourteen, Georg began to study sculpture. Next, he graduated from the Danish Academy of Fine Arts where he studied jewelry design. After finishing his studies in 1884, young Jensen got the opportunity to pursue his own artistic interests. So, he traveled the world, honing his skills.
Jensen worked with ceramics, silver, and in 1904 opened his workshop in the center of Copenhagen. Here he became widely recognized for the elaborate jewelry in the art-deco style.
Although Jensen himself was an adherent of the modernist style, he had the wisdom and foresight to give the designer freedom of expression. Accordingly, this expanded his stylistic framework as a manufacturer and allowed him to keep up with the times.
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Parrot on a branch brooch. 1940s. Gold tone jewelry alloy, rhinestones, red yellow and green enamel. 8 cm. Jose Rodriguez vintage costume jewelry. Marked at back with letter ‘S’ in a Star and ‘Made in USA’

Jose Rodriguez vintage costume jewelry
According to “American Costume Jewelry 1935-50” by Carla Ginelli Brunialti, Rodriguez was a Cuban citizen and resident of New York. Patented by him several designs in 1940s included parrot on a branch, toucan, swallow and fish brooches.
Traditionally, Rodriguez used gold and silver tone metal, multicolor enamel, glass cabochons, lucite, faux pearls and rhinestones. Noteworthy, his Bird series with parrots, toucans, firebirds, swallows and peacocks are highly collectible.
Nature inspired decorations created by the designer in 1940s are wearable art, desirable for collectors of vintage costume jewelry.
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1994 brooch with complicated design. A piano, calla lilies, embossed heart with iris, Victorian woman, cameo brooch with malachite color cabochon and prong set white round rhinestones. Ramona Crutcher vintage handmade jewelry

Ramona Crutcher vintage handmade jewelry (1990-2017)
Lebanon Tennessee based jewelry designer Ramona Crutcher (born 30 August 1953), teacher by profession, created jewelry for two decades.
Traditionally, the jeweler used brass tone metal as the base and cabochons imitating natural stones, as well as rhinestones. The design of her high quality decorations includes Art Deco, Victorian or mixed styles. Besides, each piece – brooch or hair barrette have quite a complicated design with many cast brass pieces. For example, one hair barrette includes piano, calla lilies, embossed heart with iris, Victorian woman in a hat, etc.
Noteworthy, the designer usually signed her decorations “Ramona Crutcher”, or “Jewelry by Ramona”.
The business allowed her to resign from teaching work. In 2007, her friend, Rita, and her daughter, Holly, became her business partners. However, in 2017 they sold their business to Lauren Lasko.
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1987 Rose porcelain brooch, 24 K gold trimmed. 7 cm. Amy Lacombe vintage costume jewelry

Amy Lacombe vintage costume jewelry
Los Angeles, California based artist Amy Lacombe is a philologist by profession, she graduated from Loyola Marymount University. However, instead of teaching French Language and Literature, she chose creativity, and in particular jewelry design and ceramics. Starting her design career in 1983, she has created unique hand-made porcelain jewelry that leaves no one indifferent. She sold through major department stores, online shops and catalogs. Noteworthy, most Amy Lacombe jewelry pieces which she created in 1980-1990s, have become collectible vintage.
According to Amy, the main inspiration for her creativity were her husband Bruno Lacombe, their two children, dogs, cats and nature. Loving people, animals, and color, she is grateful to be able to express this passion through her art. “I hope it brightens your day”, says Amy. Undoubtedly, it does. Now the artist, passionate animal lover, prefers working with ceramics and in particular, creating bright figurines of animals, and mostly cats.
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Confucius cufflinks, silver tone metal, 1960s. Jewelry for men – Swank artful cufflinks

Swank artful cufflinks
The history of Swank jewelry trademark began in 1927 as a part of advertising campaign. However, the company items named Swank Products, Inc. appeared only in 1936. The company shortened its name to Swank, Inc.
Founded in 1897, Attleboro Manufacturing Co. specialized in the manufacture and sale of women’s jewelry. Very soon, there was a great fire that destroyed the factory and the whole area of ​​the city of Attleboro. Fortunately, some decorations and machines were saved. So, the company moved production to a nearby building, which remained the center of business for the next 100 years.
In 1908 the company created a new division “Baer and Wilde”, which focused on the production of men’s jewelry. One of its lines, “Kum-A-Part” button cufflinks became highly popular.

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