A superb one of a kind vintage 1950s handmade sterling silver and crystal beads modernist bracelet by American artist/silversmith Ruth Berridge (1921-2004). She is very well known to collectors of mid century modernist jewelry, though her jewelry items are relatively scarce compared to most. A one of a kind entirely handmade and incredibly complex design bracelet of convex plaques alternating with concave plaques with two rows of faceted crystal beads above each of the concave links. This bracelet is from her personal collection and no doubt was worn by her, and was purchased from her estate after her death. Measures 1-3/8" wide with inside wearable circumference of 7-1/2", but due to the unique construction of the closure the bracelet will fit a 6-1/2" wrist or less. A silversmith could add an extension link or two inside at the closure to allow it to fit a larger size - maybe 1/2" to 1" - but without altering the visual impact of the design. Weighs a super hefty 83.3 grams total. Marked as shown, "Berridge" and "Sterling" on the inside wall next to the closure. Excellent vintage condition.

Ruth Berridge attended the Rhode Island School of Design and trained in the New York studio of Danish jeweler Adda Husted-Andersen. Some of her most popular designs made in multiples include her cats in various shapes and sizes, and her mobile style earrings that sway with the movement of the wearer or with a slight wind! Most of her jewelry is in silver, although she did make the occasional piece in gold. She sold her jewelry through Neiman Marcus as well as by such avant-garde shops as Design Research in New York; The Upper Story in Cambridge; and Nany's in San Francisco. She was the designer, the caster, the plater, the assembler, the polisher, the timekeeper, the bookkeeper, the saleswoman, and the secretary...all at once!

A one of a kind handmade sterling silver and 'aurora borealis' crystal beads modernist bracelet by NYC metalsmith Ruth Berridge circa 1955 - from her personal collection and acquired directly from her estate!

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#ruthberridge #wearableart #bracelet #art

A superb and very rare - one of a kind - vintage 1950s handmade sterling silver modernist bracelet by American artist/silversmith Ruth Berridge (1921-2004). She is very well known to collectors of mid century modernist jewelry, though her jewelry items are relatively scarce compared to most. A one of a kind entirely handmade and incredibly complex design bracelet of convex plaques alternating with concave plaques with two rows of faceted crystal beads above each of the concave links. This bracelet is from her personal collection and no doubt was worn by her, and was purchased from her estate after her death. (I am also listing a brooch that I think she probably wore with this bracelet, although it's not a perfect match, but made from the same materials.) Measures 1-3/8" wide with inside wearable circumference of 7-1/2", but due to the unique construction of the closure the bracelet will fit a 6-1/2" wrist or less. (A silversmith could add an extension link or two inside at the closure to allow it to fit a larger size - maybe 1/2" to 1" - but without altering the visual impact of the design.) Weighs a super hefty 83.3 grams total. Marked as shown, "Berridge" and "Sterling". Excellent vintage condition.

A one of a kind vintage 1950s 60s handmade sterling silver and faceted crystal beads modernist bracelet by Ruth Berridge - from her personal collection, and purchased from her estate.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#handmade #ruthberridge #wearableart #metalsmith #americancraft

A super rare vintage 1950s Ruth Berridge (1921-2004 USA) one of a kind handmade sterling silver and crystal bead kinetic modernist hair pin. I am listing a couple of these unique hair pins by Berridge which are from the artist's estate and never used except by Berridge herself during her lifetime. The other one is very similar with slightly different configuration of the beads on silver wires. These beads on silver wires can be bent slightly to form different shapes when worn, and each bead moves with the movement of the wearer! A one of a kind creation by one of the greats of mid century modernist studio jewelry! The handwrought sterling hair pin section is hand forged from heavy stock, and the beads are set on thin sterling wires that jiggle and bounce when the wearer moves - they are dimensional and can be moved around to create different configurations. Measures 4-1/2 long by 2-1/4" wide presently (but can be adjusted) by 1" deep (dimensional). Weighs about 9 grams total. Marked on the pin section, "Berridge Handmade Sterling". Excellent vintage condition.

Another view of the sterling and glass kinetic design modernist hair pin by Ruth Berridge. Ruth Berridge attended the school of Design at Rhode Island and trained in the New York studio of Danish jeweler Adda Husted Anderson. Themes of animals show up in her jewelry, and she often talked about her love of animals. She made earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and hair combs. She also made men’s jewelry including cuff links. She was the designer, the caster, the plater, the assembler, the polisher, the timekeeper, the bookkeeper, the saleswoman, and the secretary...all at once.

A rare 1950s Ruth Berridge USA handmade sterling and glass kinetic design modernist hair pin.

Available in my Ruby Lane shop...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#handmade #ruthberridge #metalsmith #art #wearableart #oneofakind #hairpin #moderndesign #kinetic #jewelrydesign #modernsilver #design

a SUPERB and rare - one of a kind - vintage 1950s handmade sterling silver modernist bracelet by American artist/silversmith Ruth Berridge (1921-2004). She is very well known to collectors of mid century modernist jewelry, though her jewelry items are relatively scarce compared to most. A one of a kind entirely handmade and incredibly complex design bracelet of convex plaques alternating with concave plaques with two rows of faceted crystal beads above each of the concave links. This bracelet is from her personal collection and no doubt was worn by her, and was purchased from her estate after her death. (I am also listing a brooch that I think she probably wore with this bracelet, although it's not a perfect match, but made from the same materials.) Measures 1-3/8" wide with inside wearable circumference of 7-1/2", but due to the unique construction of the closure the bracelet will fit a 6-1/2" wrist or less. (A silversmith could add an extension link or two inside at the closure to allow it to fit a larger size - maybe 1/2" to 1" - but without altering the visual impact of the design.) Weighs a super hefty 83.3 grams total. Marked as shown, "Berridge" and "Sterling". Excellent vintage condition.

A vintage 1950s piece of wearable sculpture in sterling silver by the well-known NYC modernist silversmith/designer Ruth Berridge...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#ruthberridge #nyc #wearablesculpture #artistjewelry #oneofakind #handmade #americancraft #metalsmith #modernsilver #vintagemodern