Rare US MCM Designer Milton Cavagnaro Sterling Silver & Ebony Wood Abstract Modernist 2-Part Drop Dangle Earrings Circa 1950s

Measurements: 2.4"L x .75"W x .25"Thick (6.10cm x 1.91cm x .64cm)

Markings: Cavagnaro Sterling

Weight: 12.9g

Superb and extremely rare pair of large 2 part abstract modernist sterling and Ebony wood earrings by the iconic MCM jewelry designer Milton Cavagnaro.  They are in excellent condition with no damage of any kind. I am including a pair of silver French style hooks that can easily adapt the earrings for pierced ears, though you would lose the round button top accent. Alternatively, they could easily and inexpensively be converted to post back earrings by a jeweler. 

Model is a life-size representation

Milton Cavagnaro (1913-1993) Began his career as an industrial designer. He taught at the California School of Fine Arts and San Jose State College and spent much of his spare time experimenting with wood, fascinated with its textures and surfaces. With a pocketknife and a file he began to work with wood, combining it with metal to make jewelry. His first attempts were primitive figures resembling Native American forms. In 1949 Cavagnaro and his family moved to Mill Valley, California. He continued to teach until he became established as a jeweler and found he could support himself with his craft; "Arts and Architecture" published an article about him, he had a one man show at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, a show in Texas and won a "Good Design Award" from the Museum of Modern Art in NYC for a pair of wood and stainless steel salt and pepper shakers. His work is distinctive in its skillful use of silver in combination with natural materials such as wood, b*ne, or shell. Cavagnaro used wood like many jewelers use stones; ebony, because of it's close-grain is beautifully contrasted to silver. He also used black walnut and vermillion woods. Wood is sometimes the dominate element; the metal (Aluminium, Brass, or Silver) serves as an accent or an inlay. At other times the silver and wood make equal statements. He used b*ne in a similar way to wood though it had a totally different form and texture. Cavagnaro made only one-of-a-kind pieces and did not cast metal or set stones. He made few rings and bracelets. Much of his work required inlay and Cavagnaro invented his own techniques and materials; he developed an enamel substitute, which hardens to a black matte finish without heat. - Courtesy of the book, "Form & Function - American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970" by Marbeth Schon for Schiffer Publishing