This is a rare a beautiful example of a very early Ed Wiener masterpiece. It has interesting C hinges on either side. The pearl is a smoky-black color. This piece is signed "ED WIENER', cannot find material stamp - it has either worn off or did not exist. It tests positive for 14k gold. The condition is very good, but it has been worn by previous owner; as the maker's mark is somewhat rubbed away along the bottom edge of the letters.
A photo of this necklace, (or "neckpiece", as to how it is referred), done in sterling silver, with a white pearl, can be found on page 29 of the book Jewelry by Ed Wiener, written for the 1988 Retrospective Exhibition of his work at the Fifty/50 Gallery in NYC.
The year given of this design is 1950.
He writes of himself in the book Jewelry by Ed Wiener:
In the early years (1948-1950), my work was often almost literal...the simplifications were really reductions to accommodate the levels of my craft.
Ed Wiener went on to state that he believed that the best made jewelry should neither dominate nor be dominated by the human body.
The measures approx. 5" across and 5" wide when hooked together laying flat.
As always, we will be happy to provide more photos and answer any questions.
