French Brutalist

Dramatic and superbly constructed, this French necklace and bracelet set are fine examples of Brutalist jewelry. The set dates to sometime between the mid-60's to the mid 70's. Brutalism's origins date back to Surrealist and Abstract Expressionist Art. There are hints of the influence of Dali's drawings and Giacometti's sculpture in these pieces. 

In recent years Brutalist jewelry has enjoyed resurgent interest. It is considered an authetic expression of the creativity of the "Swinging Sixties". The rythmn and articulation in the "fringed" necklace and the bracelet share similarities with Charles de Temple's two-tone necklace and bracelet ensemble in the Victoria & Albert Museum's jewelry collection. An American working in London, de Temple's work, like that of fellow Brutalist jeweler, Andrew Grima, is truly original and collectible.