-Björn Weckström Lapponia Modernist Necklace In 14Kt Gold With Munsteiner Cut Citrine

Necklace designed by Enwurf Björn Weckström. (1935-)

Very unique piece of brutalism art, created in Helsinki Finland by the sculptor and goldsmith Björn Weckström, back in the 1970. This beautiful necklace was crafted by Lapponia Finland, in solid rich yellow gold of 14 karats with highly textured finish. Fitted with a chain of links with a discrete security link lock that is integrate in the design, and a hinged slash for extra safety. The main element is an "icy" citrine, cut by the atelier Munsteiner in Germany.

Citrine: Mount in a bezel setting, with 1 fancy Munsteiner cut (13 x 9 x 5 mm) of a natural citrine of about 4.75 carats.

Weight: 8.25 Grams, (5.29 Dwt.).

Lenght: 16 Inches (40 Cm).

Measures: The hanging element is 13 mm by 21 mm by 5 mm (0.51 x 0.83 x 0.20 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the Finland hallmark for the assay of the gold, the date of production mark G8 for 1984 and signed, "LAPPONIA G8 .750 Weckström".

Bjorn Weckstrom

He born in 1935 and at the age of 16 studied at the goldsmiths school where he graduated in 1956. he proceeded to open his first workshop in Helsinki and began producing jewelry, inspired by the nature and featuring the use of rough cut gems. his participation in the international exhibition of modern jewelry, an exhibition formulated by Graham Hughes and the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1961, catapulted his career. He joined Pekka Antilla as a designer in 1963 and eventually in 1974, was made a partner in what is now called Lapponia. His career continued to blossom and in 1965, after winning the Rio de Janeiro competition, with his design for the flowering wall necklace he became an internationally known jeweler.

Lapponia 

The company was founded by Pekka Anttila and Björn Weckström, they first began collaborating in the early 60s, they aimed to elevate the art of jewelry design. Inspired by the rugged beauty of Nordic nature, Weckström built his design concepts around Finland’s snowy fells and frozen lakes, turning each piece into a magical miniature landscape. These bold pieces were unlike anything seen in Finnish jewelry design before. In 1965, Lapponia earned international recognition when the necklace “Flowering Wall” (Kukkiva Muuri) won the Grand Prix at the International Jewelry Contest. In 1977, Lapponia fame skyrocketed. After Princess Leia wore the Planetoid Valleys necklace and Darina’s Bracelet, both from Weckström's renowned moonwalk-inspired Space Silver collection, in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, the company’s name was on everyone’s lips. These two icons are still part of Lapponia collection. Weckström has designed more than 1,500 pieces of jewelry for Lapponia Inspired by Lapland’s legendary gold nuggets, they dazzle with the soft glow of matte gold and subtle diamonds set in platinum. We will also see the return of Weckström's Galactic Wind earrings, from the Space Silver collection. In September 2020 Kalevala Jewelry and Lapponia Jewelry merged into the new Kalevala brand. Lapponia unique design heritage lives on in the Art by Kalevala collection, and the production of the iconic jewelry will continue – as it has until now – as highly skilled Finnish handcrafting in Helsinki.

Atelier Munsteiner

The artists focuses on the innovative shaping of modern gemstones as a means to create exquisite masterpieces. The family-run firm has introduced numerous gem-cutting styles and shapes, gaining international recognition and acclaim. Bernd Munsteiner, known as the “Picasso of Gem-Cutters,” was the first contemporary jewelry artist to work with crystals. Creating the firm’s maxim of “designing the stone,” Bernd is famous for the images, objects d’art, and sculptures he creates from transparent minerals. Learning to cut and polish gems in the classical faceted style, Bernd’s son, Tom, later adopted the special geometric cuts his father had developed.  Finally,  Bernd's daughter, Jutta, specifically focuses on the design aspects of the business. While each Munsteiner brings a distinctive facet to the family firm, their works always culminate from Bernd’s original vision of releasing the aura from a stone.

Provenance: A private collection in Helsinki, Finland. A private collection in New York City, USA, a private collection in Boca Raton, Florida.

Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of this necklace is exceptional. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The gemstone is secured in the setting. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: N091123VIEN/.1546