Red Coral Multi-strand Necklace and Earrings Suite with Bone Carving

This cabinet makes a dramatic statement in black lacquer with rich rosewood trim and brass pulls. But the whimsical figural bone inlay carvings are what makes this most memorable. Th...

Form and function make this piece of furniture unique. If a piece of furniture could be clever, this desk, bench, altar, pew, would go to the head of the Sunday School class. It is v...

Huge Red Coral Necklace Huge polished red coral beads complete this fascinating 60cm long necklace. The largest red coral bead is: 25 x 15 mm .550 grams in weight

A bespoken jewelry set including a necklace and a pair of clip-on earrings crafted by Graziella Laffi (1923-2009), Lima, Peru, circa 1970. The suite features linked square of green hardstone (Azure Malachite) set in the sterling frames with hanging long tubes of tassels. The design of the work was bold and confidently modern while also clearly inspired by Peruvian indigenous culture which imprinted famously in the artist's work. Marks to each: G. Laffi, PERU, 925. Graziella Laffi was born in 1923 in Florence, Italy to Gino Laffi, a silversmith and artist. Following her family tradition, Graziella enrolled in master classes after elementary school, focusing on design and painting. She next attended Escuela de Bellas Artes de Puerta Romana for three years, where Gino taught, and then to the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, where she concentrated in architecture until the start of World War II. In 1947, Graziella, then twenty-four, immigrated with her parents to Peru. Gino later created a silversmith studio and showroom called Fabrica Laffi on Avenue Mexico, where Graziella initially learned her Craft. The Pre-Columbian culture in her adopted country inspired Graziella to travel and collect, which ultimately influence her design in the silver pieces. Graziella learned the metalworking techniques of the ancient Peruvian civilizations and rejected the current technology. She mostly used hammering, rolling and creating joints as the ancients do. As an ambassador of Peruvian culture, her work promoted the indigenous Peruvian art and rekindled the interest in its ancient heritage throughout South America, the United States and Europe. She exhibited her growing collection of Peruvian artifacts...