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Woman's jewelry suite in four parts
Designed by: Elsa Schiaparelli (Italian (active in France), 1890–1973)
American
1950s
Medium/Technique
Silver-colored metal and colored glass "gems"
Dimensions
Necklace: Height x width: 17 x 2 in. (43.2 x 5.1 cm). Earrings: Center back: 5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.). Bracelet: Height x width: 7 1/2 x 2 in. (19.1 x 5.1 cm).
Credit Line
Gift of Susan B. Kaplan
Accession Number2006.1994.1-4
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Jewelry, Contemporary Art, Americas
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Sets
Elsa Schiaparelli, a leading Parisian fashion designer of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, was a proponent of wearing faux jewelry as a means of self-expression and she, along with her rival, Coco Chanel, helped to remove the stigma of wearing fake jewels. More than Chanel, however, Schiaparelli was immersed in the art movements of the day and worked closely with artists Salvador Dali, Jean Cocteau, and Alberto Giacometti to create highly imaginative and whimsical ornaments that were visually strong and appealing. Here, sinuous metal forms are adorned with colored glass "gems," resulting in pieces that are elegant, dramatic, and witty.
DescriptionNecklace with seven graduated drops, silver ribbon / swirled design with pink, clear, green, blue, and purple stones, silver chain with adjustable hook clasp. Clip earrings with silver drop, ribbon / swirl design with pink, clear, green, blue, and purple stones. Marked on clasp: "Schiaparelli" and "Pat. 2583988." Wide link bracelet, rectangular links with ribbon / swirl design, with pink, clear, green, blue, and purple stones.
ProvenancePurchased by donor from a London dealer in the early 1990s. Gift to MFA December 13, 2006.