Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A striking pair of artisan-crafted dangles featuring hammered brass fans, vibrant coiled anodized wire accents, dangling leaf dangles, and set glass cabochons. Their kinetic, geometric design captures the bold, architectural aesthetic of 1980s wearable art jewelry.
Story
In the 1980s, studio jewelers rejected plain gold in favor of kinetic geometry and brilliant reactive metals like niobium and titanium. These earrings use light-refracting hammered metal and wire wraps to create movement with every turn of the head.
Maker / Origin
While likely crafted by an independent American studio jeweler, these pieces reflect the influence of pioneering 1980s art-jewelry studios like Laurel Burch, Holly Yashi, and Patricia Locke. These makers popularized combining mixed metals, anodized wire wrapping, and architectural shapes into accessible fine-art jewelry.
Condition & Value
Appears to be in very good vintage condition with light, natural surface patina on the brass elements. All wire coiling, dangling leaves, and red glass accents remain intact. Polishing would brighten the metal, though many collectors prefer original patina.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.