TONI CAVELTI 1965 Brutalist Convertible Pendant Brooch In 18Kt Gold With Kunzite
Convertible pendant brooch designed by Toni Cavelti.
Fabulous sculptural piece of brutalist art, created in Vancouver by the famous iconic Canadian designer and goldsmith Toni Cavelti, back in the late 1960. This piece is one of a kind, and has been crafted as a convertible pendant-brooch in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with polished and high textured finishes. The piece is fitted at the reverse with a concealed bale to wear in a chain or a necklace and a hinged vertical pin bar with a trombone security lock to wear as a brooch.
Kunzite
This gemstone is a variant of the mineral Spodumen. Kunzite was discovered in 1902, and was named after Tiffany & Co. main jeweler, George Frederick Kunz. It most often occurs in shades of light pink, but more vivid colors are possible and can reach rare shades of vivid purple to violet. The clear Kunzite gemstone is labeled spodumene and comes in a natural opaque form. It is expensive and known for its transparent and pale to clear crystalline structure. These stones are sometimes found in light yellow shades; therefore, it is also called yellow kunzite stone. Strongly coloured kunzite is rare and thus correspondingly valuable. This gemstone is the youngest member of the Spodumen family, to which the green or yellowish-green hiddenite, discovered about a quarter of a century earlier, also belongs.
Kunzite: Mounted in a three-prongs setting, with 1 pentagon faceted step cut (16 x 20 x 10 mm) of a natural vivid pink kunzite of about 13.45 carats.
Weight: 26.75 Grams, (17.15 Dwt).
Measurements: 83 mm by 32 mm by 18 mm (3.27 x 1.26 x 0.72 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the gold and signed, "CAVELTI 18KT".
Toni Cavelti
He was a creative artist, craftsman, and jeweler based in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Canada. He has retired from jewelery, but continues to be a creative artist. He has said that he feels jewelry is more craft than art. However, the jewels we see from the Cavelti workshop are easy to see as art. Apprenticed in Switzerland, in 1954, a young Toni Cavelti arrived in his chosen new home of Vancouver, British Columbia. He found work in the jewelry business, and his designs and style promptly became an important part of Vancouver style and society. In the 1960s and 1970s, nature and geometry combined in vibrant designs that are both bold and joyful. The combination of space and reflection, texture and polish create highlights and depth of form. Cavetti's work is widely recognized as innovative, carefully considered, and expertly made. Cavelti jewels have a balance and form that is immediately appealing to the eye. They are comfortable to wear, and make a joyful statement.
Literature: Toni Cavelti: A Jeweller's Life. Roundhouse Publishing; Max Wyman First Edition, April 24, 1997. For similar pieces illustrated.
Collateral: This pendant-brooch is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this pendant-brooch is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The kunzite is secured in the setting. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P081524ANNS/.6430
