Superb Tortolani Gold Plated & Black Enamel Modernist Flower Earrings 1950/60s

Superb Tortolani Gold Plated & Black Enamel Modernist Flower Earrings Circa 1950/60s

Measurements: 1.1"W x 1.1"L (2.79cm x 2.79cm)

Markings: © Tortolani

Weight: 17.1g

Gold plated pewter and hand-painted enamel earrings by the iconic designer Tortolani. Earrings feature is beautiful and timeless abstract modernist flower shaped design. The gold plating is crisp and bright with little to no wear and the black enamel is fully intact and glossy. is is crisp and bight with no damaged areas or wear.

Frank Tortolani was both an accomplished artist and master craftsman whose jewelry was rarely, if ever, duplicated by would-be imitators. In the large majority of his jewelry, metal is not only the star of the show, but it is also a soloist. His pieces are highly valued by collectors today.    

Francisco “Frank” Tortolani founded a dynasty of jewelers. He came to America in 1923 after studying jewelry design with his father in Italy. In 1934, he opened the Mastercraft Jewelry Company in Providence, Rhode Island. After World War II, he moved to Los Angeles, California, and changed the company’s name to Tortolani Jewelry. All of Frank’s jewelry was hand cast in pewter, hand polished and finished in gold or silver plate. There are some pieces with enamel and/or rhinestones, but metal was his signature material. His jewelry was in demand by some of Hollywood’s largest stars, including Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. Frank regularly won awards for his exciting original designs and unique techniques. In the 1960s, Max Factor commissioned Frank to create a line of compacts and figurines—also highly collectible today. He also created jewelry for Avon Products. Frank closed up shop in 1976.