Superb Betty Cooke Signed 14K Gold Sterling Modernist Geometric Pendant Necklace Circa 1960's

Measurements:  Pendant: 1.25"L x 1"W x .25"Thick (3.18cm x 2.54cm x .64cm)

Chain: 18"L (45.72cm)

Markings: Hand Signed Cooke 14k Sterling

Weight: 10.1g

A superb and highly collectible signed Betty Cooke modernist pendant, handcrafted in sterling silver and 14K yellow gold and acquired from a Rago Wright auction group cataloged as jewelry by Betty Cooke.

The pendant embodies Cooke’s unmistakable modernist vocabulary: clean geometry, architectural construction and an exceptionally restrained use of contrasting materials. A substantial rectangular sterling silver plane forms the foundation of the design, while a narrow polished silver element projects forward through the center and intersects with a smaller rectangular panel of warm 14K yellow gold. The overlapping forms create a striking three-dimensional composition that changes subtly as the pendant moves.

Rather than relying on ornamentation, Cooke allows line, proportion, negative space and the contrast between silver and gold to become the design itself — a hallmark of her celebrated approach to American studio jewelry.

The reverse is hand signed COOKE and additionally marked 14K • STERLING, confirming both the maker and materials.

This pendant was acquired from Rago Wright as part of a group cataloged as Betty Cooke jewelry. Rago’s catalog describes the group as including a geometric sterling silver and 14K pendant and notes that three of the four jewelry types in the lot were signed Cooke.

I have paired the pendant with an 18-inch sterling silver box chain, added separately after acquisition. The chain was selected for its simplicity so that Cooke’s sculptural design remains the focal point and was not part of the original Rago Wright auction lot.

A beautifully wearable example of Betty Cooke’s influential American modernist design — understated at first glance, yet remarkably architectural and sculptural upon closer examination.