Skip to product information
1 of 12

Betty Cooke Estate 14K Gold Onyx Diamond Modernist Brooch Pendant Necklace

Regular price
€2.535,95
Regular price
Sale price
€2.535,95
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Vintage Betty Cooke Attributed Estate 14K Gold Onyx Diamond Modernist Brooch Pendant Necklace

 

Measurements:  1"L x 1.1"W x .4"Thick (2.54cm x 2.79cm x 1.02cm)

Chain: 16.25"L (41.28cm)

Markings: Brooch: 14k  

Chain Markings: Italy • ★ 57 AR • 14K — S.I.L.O. (Società Italiana Lavorazione Oro), Arezzo, Italy

Weight: 7.6g

A striking and highly collectible example of American modernist jewelry, this sculptural 14K yellow gold, black onyx and diamond convertible brooch/pendant is attributed to celebrated Baltimore jewelry designer Betty Cooke.

The piece was acquired directly from Rago Wright as part of a group specifically cataloged by the auction house as jewelry by Betty Cooke, giving it significant documented provenance. The brooch/pendant itself is unsigned and marked 14K, an important detail that has been fully disclosed.

The design is quintessentially modernist, combining a substantial polished black onyx plaque with two overlapping geometric forms of warm 14K yellow gold. Contrasting satin and polished finishes create subtle movement across the gold surfaces, while the offset, layered construction gives the piece a wonderfully architectural three-dimensional quality.

Rising from the black onyx is a single old mine-cut diamond, estimated by Rago Wright at approximately 0.10 carat, creating a beautifully restrained point of brilliance, against the dramatic dark stone. Rather than overwhelming the composition, the diamond becomes part of the geometry — a small flash of light within an otherwise minimalist sculptural design.

The strong contrast of black onyx, yellow gold and diamond, together with the asymmetrical arrangement of the overlapping planes, beautifully reflects the clean geometry and sophisticated material relationships associated with mid-century and late-20th-century studio jewelry.

Designed as a convertible jewel, the piece may be worn either as a brooch or as a pendant, making it exceptionally versatile.

I have paired the brooch/pendant with a vintage 14K yellow gold Italian chain, added separately after its acquisition from Rago Wright. The chain is marked Italy • ★57 AR • 14K and was selected to complement the pendant's clean modernist lines. The chain was not part of the original Betty Cooke auction lot.

A rare and sophisticated piece of wearable sculpture for the collector of Betty Cooke, American modernist jewelry, studio jewelry, architectural design, or important 20th-century fine jewelry.

Provenance:

Acquired from Rago Wright in a group cataloged as jewelry by Betty Cooke. The individual brooch/pendant is unsigned and marked 14K.

Returns policy

We have a 14-day return policy, which means you have 14 days after receiving your item to request a return. 
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags (if applicable) and in its original packaging. 
To start a return, you can contact us at: customerservice@trendymodernhome.com

If your return request is accepted, we will email you with the return address and any additional information needed. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted. 

You can always contact us for any return questions at: customerservice@trendymodernhome.com

Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

Exceptions / non-returnable items
Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on gift cards.

European Union 14 day cooling off period
Notwithstanding the above, if the merchandise is being shipped into the European Union, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days, for any reason and without a justification. As above, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at: customerservice@trendymodernhome.com

Vintage Artisan 3D modernist 14K gold Diamond and Black Onyx Brooch Pendant, view 2 of 10
MCM Artisan 3D Modernist 14K Gold Diamond Black Lucite Brooch Necklace
Vintage Artisan 3D modernist 14K gold Diamond and Black Onyx Brooch Pendant
Vintage Artisan 3D modernist 14K gold Diamond and Black Onyx Brooch Pendant
Vintage Artisan 3D modernist 14K gold Diamond and Black Onyx Brooch Pendant, view 3 of 10
Vintage Artisan 3D modernist 14K gold Diamond and Black Onyx Brooch Pendant, view 5 of 10
Vintage Artisan 3D modernist 14K gold Diamond and Black Onyx Brooch Pendant, view 6 of 10
Vintage Artisan 3D modernist 14K gold Diamond and Black Onyx Brooch Pendant, view 7 of 10
Vintage Artisan 3D modernist 14K gold Diamond and Black Onyx Brooch Pendant, view 8 of 10
Vintage Artisan 3D modernist 14K gold Diamond and Black Onyx Brooch Pendant, view 9 of 10
MCM Artisan 3D Modernist 14K Gold Diamond Black Lucite Brooch Necklace, alternate product view 10