A spectacular vintage 1960s 70s handmade sterling silver 18K gold and Hawkeye quartz brutalist modernist brooch and earrings set by famed Canadian jeweler/goldsmith Hans Gehrig (1929-1989). Gehrig was born and trained as a goldsmith in Switzerland before coming to Canada in the mid-1950s where he met Walter Schleup who he eventually partnered with for a few years before they both went off on their own. He is in the top tier of Canadian modernist jewelers from the mid-century, and his one of a kind designs are highly sought-after and very difficult to find anymore. This set is a one of a kind creation from the late 1960s to early 1970s, and entirely handmade hand-fabricated in sterling silver with 18K solid gold embellishments, and with large bezel-set Hawkeye quartz cabochons. Hawkeye quartz is the blue version of Tigereye quartz, and all Tigereye starts out as Hawkeye before being dyed naturally underground from proximity to iron ores. All three stones show mostly dark blue Hawkeye with just a touch of orange/gold Tigereye in spots. Another name for the Brutalist style is organic modernism because the style is largely based on organic forms from nature, and it's no casual choice that the stones chosen are in natural 'transition' from the blue Hawkeye to the orangish-gold Tigereye. The pierced earrings measure 2.25" long by 5/8" widest. The brooch measures 2" long by 1-1/8" widest. The set weighs 28.6 grams total. The brooch has a hand-etched signature at back, "Hans", and the matching earrings are unmarked. I have no doubt that this set is unique one of a kind wearable art of the first order! Tested and guaranteed to be exactly as described. The set has a lovely patina acquired over the years, and I haven't touched it leaving that decision to the new owner. Purchased from a Canadian estate in upper Ontario. My last photo is of the inside of a box with Gehrigs info which is not included with this set. Excellent vintage condition.
A spectacular vintage 1970s handmade sterling silver 18K gold and Hawkeye quartz modernist brooch and earrings set by Canadian metalsmith, Hans Gehrig of Montreal.
Available...
www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...
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