Description
A sensational piece of art jewellery that would be at home in a museum. It is a hand-crafted early (c1925) Instone brooch, undoubtedly unique and a one-off. It is a fabulous example of the intention of this Arts and Crafts’ great, with individually hand-tooled and hand placed leaves, set among a plethora of sparkling stones. It is packed full of citrines and peridots, of all shapes and all individually set. It is a triumph in how to work with the natural shapes of these stones. There is a lightness and sweetness to this large wreath brooch, as the citrines and peridots are all pale in colour and catch the light wonderfully. It is a documented book piece, appearing on page 176 of the literature “Bernard Instone Designer and Crfatsman; the art of a jeweller” by Tracy Henriksen.
This beautiful brooch not only has hand-tooled leaves but also Gaskin / Cooperesque flowers, again evidence of this being an early Instone piece, showing the influences of Arthur and Georgie Gaskin, as well as John Paul Cooper, both of whom Bernard apprenticed. I adore the way the flower centres resemble the forget-me-not flower and that they are finished in gold. It really adds to the overall warmth of the brooch. I also love the irregular-shaped, organic stones that have been used, as it adds a real hint of naturalism to the piece. Each stone has been carefully millegrained in its setting-quite a complete work of art!
Perhaps one of the finest examples of the range of Bernard’s skills in the 1920s-it is a joy of a thing. It measures approx 4.6cm in diameter. In excellent condition. Some patina so would polish further.
I shall post by special delivery within the UK or else by express courier internationally. Please note the boxes in the images are not included, however I will send in a box to protect the piece. Thank you.
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