Vintage ED LEVIN Sterling Leaves & Vine Cuff Bracelet Leaf Modernist MidCentury

Description

Vintage ED LEVIN Sterling Leaves & Vine Cuff Bracelet Leaf Modernist MidCentury
Fabulous sterling silver cuff bracelet by MidCentury Modern Studio Artist Ed Levin.  The curlicue vine motif alternates with large 3-lobed leaves.  The foliage has a lively, exuberant look, and is so forcefully delineated, it appears carved into the silver.  The slightly recessed background is darkly oxidized (deliberately darkened) for contrast, color, texture and interest and the trailing vine design has loads of movement.  The row is flanked by silver bands at the sides which give the motif a finished look, framing and setting it off, as it will against your arm.  This scrolling leaf and vine design has been popular throughout the years, and it and similar designs are still being made by the company, which has continued Levin's tradition of handwrought excellence.  And no wonder - it is so good looking!
About 1/2" wide, the bracelet's inside diameter is about 2-1/4" by 2" and the inside circumference is about 6-1/2", including the gap, which is presently just over 1".  It may be gently adjusted for better fit.  Easy to slip on and off, it lays beautifully on the arm.  It weighs 14.8 grams.  Important looking enough to stand on its own, it also looks great layered with other bracelets.
It is in Very Good / Excellent vintage condition with just expected surface dirt, scratches and tarnish due to age.  It has a lovely vintage patina with that great oxidation; cleaning and polishing are left to the buyer's discretion.  (The black spot near an edge is tarnish I have not polished out, not a ding.)  Polishing the surface with a jewelry cloth will shine and bring up the raised silver, leaving the recessed background dark and the bracelet will be even more beautiful but it looks wonderful as it is.
It is signed with the early signature, "Levin" and "Sterling" in block caps.  (Last photo, where the end of "Levin" is partly obscured.)  Ed Levin was born in 1921 and died in 2008.  Learning from a Florentine master jeweler, Levin began designing and making his innovative jewelry in the 1950s, the hey day of American studio jewelry and this bracelet predates his death.  His work has been featured in books and exhibits, including:
Messengers of Modernism
, by Greenbaum;
Modern Jewelry 1930-1960, the Wearable Art Movement
, by Marbeth Schon, and in the 2008 Fort Wayne, Indiana exhibit titled
American Modernist Jewelry, 1940-1970,
and Marbeth Schon's companion book/catalogue to the exhibit,
Form and Function American Modernist Jewelry 1940-1970.
While the Ed Levin company's recent work (which bears a script signature and copyright c or that, plus "EL") is easy to find, his early jewelry is increasingly sought but less often seen.
This bracelet is a fitting celebration of nature and an outstanding example of his work that demonstrates why Levin won acclaim for his jewelry in the first place.  Ideal for the leaf peeping season and the rest of the year as well, it is one you will find you wear all the time.  Although I doubt you will want to part with it, this cuff would also make a wonderful gift - perfect for anyone who collects modernist silver, sterling or bracelets and will come to you in a gift box.  Handsome and versatile, this striking bracelet by important mid-century American studio artist, Ed Levin, is a wearable work of art that will make a terrific addition to your collection and your wardrobe.
Please see our other listings for more great vintage jewelry.
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