-Bent Gabrielsen 1960 For Hans Hansen Denmark Geometric Earrings In 14Kt Yellow Gold

Geometric earrings designed by Bent Gabrielsen for Hans Hansen.

Beautiful sculptural clips on earrings, created in Copenhagen Denmark by the designer Bent Gabrielsen for the jewelry house of Hans Hansen Company, back in the 1960. These earrings are the model 182, crafted with elegant geometric  lines in solid yellow gold of 14 karats with high polished finish. The design is composed by free forms peaks links and are fitted with comfortable hinged backs for fastening clips. The addition of posts for pierced ears can be easily done.

Weight: 8.50 Grams, (5.45 Dwt).

Measurements: 35 mm by 11 mm (1.38 x 0.43 Inches).

Hallmarks Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the gold, the model number and signed, "HANS HANSEN .585 DENMARK 182".

Bent Gabrielsen (1928-2014), qualified as a goldsmith in 1949 after serving his apprenticeship with the goldsmith Ejler Fangel in Copenhagen. He had planned to be a carpenter like his grandfather but since apprenticeships were scarce, the only available position was as a goldsmith's apprentice. Gabrielsen was among the first group of students at the Goldsmith's Academy from where he graduated with top grades in 1953. He was immediately hired by the Hans Hansen Solvsmedie and worked there until 1969. By the time he left he was responsible for the firm's entire production. After leaving the Hans Hansen company, Gabrielsen set up his own workshop called "Gabrielsen's Guldsmeden". He kept his business small with he and his wife the only employees. A large part of his production was sold in Japan. Bent Gabrielsen won the Lunning Prize in 1964. As Erik Bohr, Chairman of the Lunning Committee wrote, " Bent Gabrielsen's jewelry carries absolute conviction as to its function; his handling of materials is so restrained and well considered that one feels this could hardly be otherwise. His jewelry is simple and clearly constructed, often with links connecting naturally with each other so that the complete piece makes up a beautiful whole. Every single detail of his things is worked out. There are no false effects. He does not take the easy way out.". From, Bent Gabrielsen, 40 years with jewelry at the Trapholt Museum of Modern Art, Kolding, Denmark 1994.

Hans Hansen (1884-1940) opened a goldsmith shop and smithy in Kolding, Denmark about 1906. Kolding was already well known for its silver and in particular for the well known Goldsmith Holger Kyster and the silverware he produced designed by famous silversmiths Th. Bindesboll, Joakim Skovgaard and Svend Hammershøj. By the 1920s Hansen was producing his own line based on his and H.F. Gross' designs. Initially the company produced flatware. Once that was successful they started with jewelry. The first pieces were designed by Hansen himself around 1931 but production of jewelry really began in 1932 with a collection designed by Hansen's son Karl Gustav Hansen.
Karl Gustav Hansen was born in Kolding on December 10, 1914. The younger Hansen showed an early aptitude for his craft and left school at 16 to become an apprentice to Einar Olsen a hollowware smith. In 1934, KGH presented his test piece, a teapot on a chafing dish and received the silver medal, the highest distinction in the Danish apprenticeship system. Shortly afterwards he enrolled at the School of Sculpture at the Art Academy but continued to work with silver. After travelling in Europe KGH opened up a workshop with his father in Copenhagen where passers-by could watch KGH and three other craftsmen at work through a large window. KGH had his first larger exhibition of works in Copenhagen in May 1940. The next month, his father died at only 56 years old. KGH was 25 and he took over the Hans Hansen Silversmithy. This collection was called "Future" and comprised about 50 pieces, including brooches, rings, clasps, earrings, etc. Other designers such as Bent Gabrielsen Pedersen and Bent Knudsen also worked for Hansen and by the 1980s Allan Scharff was the leading designer. In 1992 the firm joined with the Georg Jensen company.

Collateral: They are accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of this pair is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. These earrings has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: E050923TTNJ/.1593