Fine Jewelry

Elsa Schiaparelli

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Elsa Schiaparelli, the iconic Italian fashion designer, is renowned for her avant-garde jewelry that captivated the fashion world in the early to mid-20th century. Her pieces, often characterized by surrealist elements and bold designs, have become highly sought after by collectors, with some commanding staggering prices in the market today.

Schiaparelli’s jewelry was an extension of her innovative and boundary-pushing approach to fashion. She was known for her use of unconventional materials, such as plastic, glass, and even found objects, which she incorporated into her designs. Her pieces often featured whimsical motifs, such as lips, eyes, and other surrealist elements, that reflected her fascination with the surrealist movement.

One of Schiaparelli’s most iconic jewelry pieces is the “Lobster Clutch,” a handbag adorned with a large, sculptural lobster brooch. This piece, which was famously worn by Salvador Dali’s muse, the actress and socialite Wallis Simpson, has become a highly coveted collector’s item, with some examples selling for upwards of $50,000 at auction.

Another highly sought-after piece is the “Shocking” necklace, which features a large, oversized pendant in the shape of a woman’s head. This piece, which was inspired by Schiaparelli’s own “Shocking Pink” color, has been known to sell for prices exceeding $100,000, making it one of the most valuable pieces of Schiaparelli jewelry on the market.

Other popular Schiaparelli jewelry items include her “Eye” brooches, which feature a stylized eye motif, and her “Lips” brooches, which have become iconic symbols of the designer’s work. These pieces, along with her other surrealist-inspired designs, have become highly sought after by collectors, with some examples selling for tens of thousands of dollars at auction.

Today, Schiaparelli’s jewelry continues to be highly valued by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. Her pieces are often seen as not only beautiful and unique accessories, but also as important historical artifacts that reflect the designer’s groundbreaking contributions to the world of fashion. As a result, the market for Schiaparelli jewelry remains strong, with prices for her most coveted pieces continuing to rise.