MARILYN COOPERMAN Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold Oxidized Sterling & Cabochons Moonstones
Sculptural earrings designed by Marilyn Cooperman (1936-2020) for Fred Leighton.
This is a gorgeous and rare pair of clip-on earrings, created in New York City by the celebrated American artist-jewelry designer Marilyn Cooperman for Fred Leighton gallery on Madison Avenue, circa the 1980s. The earrings have been masterfully crafted as a perfectly matched left and right pair in a sculptural bombé teardrop form, combining 18-karat yellow gold with oxidized silver and polished finishes. The richly textured surfaces are beautifully embellished with a graduated arrangement of twenty-four natural round moonstone cabochons, each carefully bezel-set to follow the elegant contours of the design. The combination of warm yellow gold, contrasting oxidized silver, and the luminous, translucent appearance of the moonstones creates a sophisticated sculptural effect characteristic of fine American artist jewelry of the period. The earrings are fitted on the reverse with comfortable hinged omega backs for secure clip-on wear. Gold posts for pierced ears can be added if desired. A beautiful and highly unusual pair, distinguished by its sculptural design, natural moonstone decoration, New York provenance, and association with Fred Leighton. A rare and highly collectible example of American artist jewelry from the 1980s.
Marilyn Cooperman
She was born in Toronto Canada and emigrated to New Zealand aged 20. In 1963 she decided to move again and found her way to Greenwich Village New York where she met Fred Leighton. In 1987 Fred Leighton, now well established as a luxury estate jeweler on Madison Avenue, approached Cooperman to work for him as a designer, creating modern jewels that would appeal to his clients’ tastes. She accepted the challenge despite having no formal jewelry training and immediately immersed herself in the fine jewelry world. In 1994, after several successful years at Leightons, Cooperman decided to set up her own company to create her original designs. Her bold and brilliant jewels have been widely collected and have featured in several significant jewelry books and in exhibitions at museums.
Country: New York City, United States.
Period: Modernism, 1980.
Retailer: Fred Leighton, Madison Avenue.
Moonstones: Mounted in bezel settings, with 24 round cabochon cut moonstones with an estimate total weight of about 12.5 carats.
Birthstone: Moonstones for the month of June.
Weight: 19.40 Grams, (12.45 Dwt).
Measurements: 32 mm by 21 mm by 12 mm (1.26 x 0.83 x 0.47 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark monogram, the mark for the assay and warranty of the gold and the silver and signed as follows, "MFC 18KT".
Literature: Juliet Weir-de La Rochefoucauld. Women Jewelry Designers, Acc Art Books. London 2020. For similar pieces illustrated.
Exhibitions: The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The Museum of Art and Design in New York. The Yale University Museum
Collateral: These Marilyn Cooperman sculptural earrings are accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this pair of Marilyn Cooperman earrings is excellent. Besides the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The 24 moonstones are secured in the settings. This pair was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: E092826MAEN/.2331
