Norwegian Designer Willy Waenness for David Andersen Sterling Silver & Guilloche Enamel Extra Large Leaf Brooch Pin 1950s

Measurements: 2.75"L x .8"W (6.99cm x 2.03cm)

Markings: Scales Mark D-A 925S Norway Sterling Willy Waenness Mark

Weight: 9.5g

Brooch is in excellent condition - Enamel is clean, clear and bright with no chips, worn areas, damage or repairs of any kind. Very minor fading to the gilding on back. Included with purchase is a gilt silver converter so it can be worn as a pendant if preferred.

The company was founded in Christiania (now Oslo), Norway by David Andersen in 1876. Andersen (1843-1901) was a gold and silversmith with a keen sense of quality and the high standards of his workmanship brought early success to the firm. By 1888, Andersen was able to expand his workshop into a steam powered plant and a second retail location was opened in Oslo in 1892.

David Andersen died in 1901, his son, Arthur Andersen, took the reins of the firm at that time. Arthur instituted some important changes, he decided to hyphenate the family name to David-Andersen, and as chief designer, he introduced the use of enameling on the company's gold and silver jewelry as well as hollowware. The new line was so successful that enamelled jewelry has become nearly synonymous with the David-Andersen name. The firm has remained a family business and is now run by members of the fourth generation, Uni and Jon David-Andersen.