GL001 Vintage Graziella Laffi sterling silver necklace and earrings; circa-1950s to 1970s
Origin: Peru
Dimensions:
     Necklace – 17" when clasped; panels 1.38" x 1.38"; 74.2 gm
     Clipback earrings – 1" x 1.18"; 22.2 gm
Condition: Excellent
Provenance: Consignment
Price: $700.00

Florentine-born artist Graziella Laffi fell in love with Peru and made it her home, where in the 1950's she produced extraordinary silver works melding Pre-Columbian mythology with modern minimalist flair. Original signed works by “the Spratling of Peru” are highly collectible and much sought-after today. This fascinating collar and earrings depart from Laffi’s more commonly seen work in silver and enamel. The set bears bold silver panels with applied abstract forms standing in low relief against a gunmetal oxidized background, a variation of the ancient and mysterious stepped-fret Xicalcoliuhqui design symbolizing the endless cycles of time. The necklace’s minimalist but sturdy silver chain closes with a clever twist clasp; bold matching earrings fasten with comfortable clips. In a Peruvian article, Laffi said that she spent her life “hammering the precious metal (silver), dominating it and forcing it to take on forms full of movement and fantasy.” This dynamic masterwork realizes the perfection of that art, eye-catching adornment with a sexy, smoky patina that’s sensational against the skin!