WW for David Andersen Norway Sterling Enamel Ladybug Brooch Circa 1950s

Measurements: 1.25"L x 1"W (3.18cm x 2.54cm)

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

Weight: 7.4g

Rare and spectacular! Designed by Willy Waenness for David Andersen, made in the 1950's. Gorgeous guilloche enamel detailing in a red and black. Enamel is clean and bright with absolutely no damage or repairs. Very shiny and there are some reflections in the photos. Gold is bright with very minor surface marks on back and some tarnish. Included with purchase is a gold converter so it can be worn as a pendant on a chain if preferred. Will be professionally cleaned and polished before shipping.

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.