PP153 Harry Bertoia Jewelry

Webinar Description

The modernist jewelry created by Harry Bertoia in the 1940s has been compared to that of Alexander Calder and values have begun to approach Calder’s figures as well. This webinar will provide a brief history of Bertoia’s designs and describe the techniques and materials used. Never signed, we’ll examine the characteristics that differentiate Bertoia from other similar artists that will help you to identify the objects. We’ll have actual samples to show you as well as images comparing Bertoia to other similar jewelry. Hollowware and silverware samples will also be examined briefly. This is the second of three related Bertoia webinars.

Webinar Audience

Anyone involved with mid-century modern objects, estate appraisers, furniture specialists.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

This webinar will award 1.2 CE hours.

Topics Covered

Brief Background of Harry Bertoia

• Italy
• Detroit
• Cranbrook Academy of Art
• Wilhelm Valentiner and Modern Art

Early Jewelry

• Fishbone style
• Sunbursts
• Techniques
• Materials Used
• Similar modernist jewelers
• How modernist jewelry changed design forever

Hollowware

• Vases
• Plates
• Coffee sets

Later Jewelry

• Gong pendants
• Fused wire

Market of Jewelry

• Bertoia jewelry records
• Other similar jewelry records

Q&A

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, attendees will be able to:

• Inform others about the history of Bertoia and other modernist jewelry 
• Recognize how these designs changed jewelry forever
• Identify Bertoia designs, or at least the possibility of Bertoia creation
• Review the market for the jewelry