Yearning for Yurman?

 If you have a yen for jewelry created by famed designer David Yurman, we have a collection of pieces by this maker currently in our trove, including this sterling silver and pave diamond ring.

The ring alternates diamond-set bands with twisted cable wire, the latter used in Yurman designs since 1982. In 1997, Yurman became the first major designer of fine jewelry to set diamonds in sterling silver jewelry with the introduction of the Silver Ice collection. This ring reflects both of these Yurman innovations.

Inside the ring is stamped with the David Yurman initials and "925," the assay mark for sterling silver.

The David Yurman Company was founded in 1980 by David Yurman and his wife, Sybil. Both partners had an extensive background in art. Among their many artistic endeavors, David made sculptures using direct welding, a technique developed by Picasso in which a torch is used to melt and shape bronze rods, while Sybil experimented with raku pottery. They traveled in artistic circles on both coasts, eventually meeting in New York City in 1969, where David had set up his sculpture studio. They became major figures in the American studio craft movement, which sought to elevate crafts to fine art through innovation and experimentation, and collaborated on designing wearable art. In 1971, Sybil wore a bronze necklace sculpted by David to a gallery opening, resulting in multiple orders for the piece. Subsequently, in 1973, the Yurmans founded Putnam Art Works, designing unique artisanal jewelry pieces. They married in 1979 and founded their company the following year.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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Unforgetable. . . .

They say an elephant never forgets. Well, this unusual and elegant elephant table is certainly memorable!

Of bronze, with a leather-covered base and a beveled glass top, this extraordinary end table is by Paul Maitland-Smith Ltd. and dates from the 1970s-80s.  Paul Maitland-Smith began his career as a London antiques dealer, specializing in rare and unusual finishings and decorative items. In 1979, he founded his eponymous company in Hong Kong, reproducing Chippendale chairs well as other 18th Century furniture and decorative accessories. His carefully curated creations, crafted by hand, often used unique or costly materials, such as brass, bronze, eggshell, lacquer, leather, mother-of-pearl, porcelain, stone, and wrought iron. Skilled artisans reproduced intricate designs in marquetry, inlay, reverse-painted glass, and gilding. In 1981, he opened a factory in the Philippines and was one of the first entrepreneurs to operate in Vietnam. Maitland-Smith valued his employees and artisans, paying them good salaries and providing on-site health centers and shower facilities at his manufacturing operations. In recognition of his contributions to interior design and the home furnishings industry, Maitland-Smith was a 2019 inductee into the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame. Maitland-Smith Ltd. still is renown for its high-end handcrafted furnishings incorporating exotic or whimsical elements inspired by antique and modern design and its vintage pieces are highly sought after by collectors and designers.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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