Copper, Silver, Plastics and Other
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Copper jewelry was very popular in the 1950's, being made by a number of manufacturers whom we don't normally associate with copper jewelry. However, the most collectable pieces of copper today were made by companies that specialized in copper jewelry, namely Rebajes and Renoir. Rebajes is less common than Renoir and was designed by Frank (Francisco) Rebajes, a NYC artist of Spanish descent who apparently started with junk metal and eventually turned to copper as his chosen medium. Renoir was manufactured in California by Jerry Fels and his partners, and this prolific company made Renoir (copper without enamel), Matisse (copper with enamel) and much less often found Sauterne, a sterling silver line. Other less well known companies also specialized in copper. The choice of a Beatnik generation, these pieces were the flip side for people for whom glitzy rhinestone didn't appeal.

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Description: Matisse Enameled Palette Earrings in Burgundy - Not only burgundy but with orange and green "dabs" of "paint". The clear laquering seems to be somewhat worn but none of the enameling has been affected. Clip, 1 7/8" x 3/4". One of Renoir-Matisse's best known designs, done in both plain and enameled versions.

Item: XE1-113

Price: $26.50 US

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Description: Matisse Impressionistic Bracelet and Earrings Set - Presumably pieces of Matisse that do not have a copyright symbol with the signature predate 1954. A very similar bracelet is shown in Copper Jewelry: A Different Lustre and said to be one of these pieces, and indeed, the earrings are signed with no copyright symbol. This set shows some signs of wear - the copper on some of the rectangular pieces is worn and appears to be a long-ago done enamel repair on one of the bracelet links. Bracelet is 7" including foldover clasp, and 1 1/8" wide; clip earrings are 1" x 3/4".

Item: XS1-078

Price: $95.00 US

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Description: Unsigned Matisse "Queen Anne" Earrings - For whatever reason Matisse did signed and unsigned versions of this design, I have had both, in green; this is the first I've had in the burgundy color. Copper hearts dangle freely. Screwback mechanisms, about 7/8" in diameter. Excellent condition.

Item: XE1-150

Price: $17.50 US

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Description: Renoir Copper Palette Brooch and Ear Set - One of Renoir's best known designs, this set is in excellent condition. Brooch is 4 3/8" x 1 3/4"; earrings are clip, 2" x 3/4".

Item: XS1-141

Price: $49.50 US

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Description: Renoir? Copper Swirl Brooch - Unsigned but certainly gives every indication of being Renoir. 3" x 1 3/8". Minor light scratching and wear marks. A nice size for a lapel and lightweight enough for most non-delicate fabrics. Similar to a design called "Sari" by Renoir.

Item: XP1-123

Price: $18.00 US

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Description: Renoir Hobnailed Crescent Moon Necklace and Earrings Set - Linked "moons" have black enameled? centers to bring out the copper outline.  Adjustable necklace will fit up to a 17" neck and is about 3/4" wide, clip earrings are 1" x 3/4". All excellent condition.

Item: XS1-014

Price: $59.50/set US

Sorry, SOLD!

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Description: Matisse Enameled Squares Earrings - Red and grey enameling is topped with a copper square going at 45 degree angles. Clip, 7/8". Copper seems to have almost a brushed finish; I have not seen any pieces done this way and am not sure that it is original to the piece, but were this way when I purchased them. Otherwise excellent condition.

Item: XE1-112

Price: $28.50 US

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Description: Unsigned Copper Double Scroll Clip Earrings - Once again, these give every indication of being Renoir but are unsigned. Typical clip mechanism, oxidation. Very minor scratching and two small spots on right hand earring top (see picture). Excellent quality. 1" x 1/2".

Item: XE1-124

Price: $12.00 US

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Description: Renoir Copper Coil Cuff Bracelet and Clip Earrings - Excellent condition with little exterior scratching and minor interior wear. All pieces sign. Cuff is 1 1/4" wide; earrings are 1 1/4" x 1/2".

Item: XS1-134

Price: $59.50 US

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Description: Renoir Figure Eight Clip Earrings and Cuff Links Set - Nope, you aren't seeing double and their is no superimposition here. The earrings are on the card and the cufflinks are in front (I have one on its side so that you can see the cufflink mechanism). Renoir made other items than standard jewelry, such as belts, that, like these cufflinks, come along infrequently.

Item: XS1-118

Price: $30.00/set US

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Description: Matisse "Leaf" Brooch - A well known and loved design, this is done in a caramel and black enamel with copper buttons and swirl. Not perfect - has a crack?line across one leaf tip and a partial one across another - hard to know what exactly this is as the laquer finish does not seem to be cracked or flaking in any way. Anyway, because of this we are selling it at a nominal price. About 2 1/4" x 2".

Item: XP1-129

Price:$15.00 US

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Description: Renoir Bar Bracelet and Earrings Set - I'm not sure what the original name for this pattern was. Clip earrings are about 1 1/4" x 3/4"; very heavy link style bracelet with foldover clasp is about 1" x 7 1/4". Earrings are in good shape, with one earring more worn than the other, better one has minimal light scratching, other has more scratching and a few small pits. The bracelet is quite worn with obvious scratching that you can probably see in the photo. Ordinarily I wouldn't offer anything this worn, however this bracelet fits well because of its many links and feels great to wear because of it's heft, so if you don't have to have pristine this is a nice bargain for you. I have had this as a necklace and earring set, so perhaps it is time to have the matching bracelet and an extra set of earrings!

Item: XS1-128

Price: $49.50 US

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Description: Unsigned Matisse "Fantasy" Earrings - An unusual and sought after pattern for Matisse, this uses French clip findings. Moveable dangles, with a deep red enamel center with amber colored dots . 1 1/4" x 5/8", excellent condition.

Item: XE1-151

Price: $22.50 US

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Description: Renoir Rhythm Earrings - A well known Renoir pattern called Rhythm.  Clip earrings measure 1 1/2" x 3/4".  Very good condition. I have found these pictured in a 1956 Vogue magazine ad.

Item: XE1-008

Price: $15.00 US

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Description: Renoir Basketweave Bracelet - One of Renoir's most sought after designs. 1 1/4" wide cuff bracelet, will fit most wrist sizes. Very good condition with little sign of wear on top, more wear visible at the back where it would rub on table tops, etc. Inside is somewhat worn - must have been a beloved piece for the original owner.

Item: XB1-127

Price: $42.50 US

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Description: Renoir Checkerboard Cuff Bracelet - A less common pattern for Renoir, this is in very good condition with mild surface scratches and some wear on the inside. 1 1/2" wide with a 1 1/4" back opening; inside 2 1/4" x 2".

Item: XB1-163

Price: $39.50 US

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