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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: Matisse "Lyre" Brooch - A rare find. Shown in Matthew Burkholz's Copper Jewelry: A Different Lustre, this measures 2 3/8" x 1 1/2" and is done in a deep red, with black lines and little dabs of topaz colored enamel that almost look like glitter but are enamel applied over the red and black enamel. Mild scratching on back as seen in the picture and a little wear on the copper "strings" of the lyre; but enamel is fine and general condition is very, very good. Item: XP1-194 Price: $79.50 US |
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Description: Renoir "Etude" Treble Clef Copper Brooch and Ear Set - Music was important to the beatnik generation; here we have treble clef sign earrings and brooch set. Brooch is 2 1/4" x 2 1/8", earrings are clip, 1 1/4" x 3/4". Beautiful condition in a hard to find set. The Matisse line also used this design in an enameled version, in at least 2-3 color variations. Item: XS1-192 Price: $85.00/set 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 Espana Cuff Bracelet and Earrings Set - 7/8" wide copper cuff with oxydized finish both inside and outside the figure 8 type design, excellent condition, bracelet is especially nice, with earrings showing usual wear to where they would be in contact with skin, plus a couple of pindots in the oxidation. Bracelet is 7/8" wide, slightly over 1" opening, 2 3/8" x 1 3/4". Earrings are 7/8" x 5/8". Item: XS1-187 Price: $69.50 US |
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Description: Renoir Spiral Copper Earrings - Spiral heavy copper wire was a popular design element for Renoir (please see XS1-134); these use a double spiral on either side of a triple band of the same wire, in a domed, rectangular shaped earring. 7/8" x 11/16", clip finding, excellent condition with some signs of mild wear on the clip finding. Item: XE1-196 Price: $16.50 US |
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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: Renoir (Matisse) Earclips in Purple/Aqua/Black Enamel - Probably a later pattern for Renoir/Matisse, and infrequently found. 7/8" x 11/16" domed earrings, enamel is in very good condition with no dings, cracks or loss that I can see; back sides are, however, quite pitted from wear, and price reflects. Oddly these are marked Renoir rather than the usual Matisse. A very pretty color combination. Item: XE1-197 Price: $19.50 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: Renoir Crescent Moon Earrings - These use an inset area that is oxidized? enameled? black, with the copper portion acting as a frame for the general design, with various sized hobnails added for interest. 15/16" x 13/16". Usual Renoir clip findings. Almost no sign of wear on the exterior, though there is the usual pitting on the inner clip finding where it would have touched the skin. Item: XE1-214 Price:$12.50 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: Matisse Solid Cuff with Enameled Inset - Shown in Matthew Burkholz's book on copper but not identified with a pattern name, this is one of the few Matisse bracelets that is not hinged. Enameled panel is made to be somewhat asymmetrical, and is done with a white background peppered with burgundy, turquoise and tan spots that flash copper metallic when turned. The cuff also graduates from 1" to 1 1/2" wide. Outside shows very mild wear to copper, enamel is fine; inside is excellent except for the part that was in contact with the back of the wrist, which has some mild pitting and a streak of something? perhaps perfume stain? that is unseen from the outside and does not affect the piece in any way. Overall extremely good if not excellent condition. Item: XB1-195 Price: $69.50 US  |
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Description: Renoir Curtain Call Comedy/Tragedy Bracelet - Much less common than the Renoir bracelet of the same theme which uses a large single charm, this link copper bracelet alternates smiling and frowning faces. Top side is very good condition with only minor surface wear, back side is slightly more worn but not bad, with no evidence of verdigris. Marked Renoir on the foldover clasp back. Perfect for the thespian. Item: XB1-207 Price: $52.50 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 "Urn" Earrings - Just when you think you have seen all of Renoir's designs, another turns up. The center looks like an urn, or perhaps two chalices stakced on top of each other, with the same curved design element being used around the edge to form kind of a ruffle effect. 1" in diameter, usual Renoir clip finding. Minimal surface scratching. Item: XE1-215 Price: $16.50 US |
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