WILLIAM HARPER, ENAMEL AND CULTURED PEARL 'DECEMBER FRAGMENT' BROOCH

1991

Consisting of an abstract brooch with opalescent polychrome enamel, one Tahitian pearl, one Baroque pearl surmounted with a smaller pearl and one elongated Baroque pearl. Mounted in yellow gold and silver. 5 3/4 x 2 3/4 inches.
Engraved: William Harper 1991 DECEMBER FRAGMENT.
43.15 dwt.

Provenance

Born in 1944 in Bucyrus, Ohio, William Harper is one of America’s most important studio craft jewelers. He graduated from Case Western Reserve and the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1967 with a specialty in enamel work. In school he trained under two exceptional studio jewelers- John Paul Miller, known for his unique design and craftsmanship, and Kenneth Bates, a master enameller. Harper began his career as an abstract painter but soon focused solely on enameling, creating abstract pieces in a grotesque, primal style all his own. His interest in global cultures is reflected in his work whether ritual objects like amulets and rattles or brooches and jewelry incorporating unusual materials such as feathers, mirrors, and bones. Harper’s objects are created freehand, meaning he does not make sketches or preparatory items; instead, preferring to let the materials guide him. His one-of-a-kind brooches seem prehistoric and futuristic at the same time. His exceptional intricate cloisonné enamel work featured in his jewelry is celebrated worldwide.

Hindman is pleased to offer ‘December Fragment’ in our October Essential jewelry auction- an example of William Harper’s unique style, unsurpassed enameling and craftsmanship and an excellent collector’s studio jewelry piece.

Measurements: The brooch measures approximately 5 3/4 inches by 2 3/4 inches.

Overall Condition: Electronic test indicates the metal is 14 karat gold with a 22 karat gold section near the bottom pearl and a silver back of the brooch.

All lots are sold “AS IS”. Please contact the jewelry department at [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Please note that measurements and opinions on gems are given as a courtesy and are approximated. It is recommended you talk to a specialist or view items in person before placing a bid. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Sally Klarr, GG

Director, Senior Specialist, Jewelry & Watches

[email protected]312.334.4215

Ms. Klarr’s passion for jewelry began when she saw the gem collection at the Smithsonian at age 13, and she has since cultivated an expertise in jewelry and its history. She began her career at Christie’s as a Junior Specialist and went on to join Marshall Pierce & Co. in Chicago, culminating in a decade of experience in the auction business, VIP relations, and jewelry and luxury marketing. She earned her Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America in New York and is a graduate of Hillsdale College.

Katie Guilbault, GG

Senior Specialist, Jewelry & Watches

[email protected]858.442.6104

Ms. Guilbault is a Graduate Gemologist and has traveled the country evaluating important jewelry collections including antique, period and contemporary pieces. She first joined the firm in 2003, where she became the Director of Jewelry & Watches and Director of Consignments. In 2007, Katie joined Trabert & Hoeffer as an appraiser and sales associate. Following her time at Trabert & Hoeffer, Katie launched a jewelry consulting business, providing fine jewelry appraisal and custom design services. She returned to Freeman's in 2017 as a Senior Specialist of Jewelry & Watches. Katie brings a wealth of valuation experience to Southern California, as she establishes Freeman's expanded presence on the West Coast.

Ruth Thuston, GG

Senior Specialist, Jewelry & Watches

[email protected]312.447.3268

Ms. Thuston brings to Freeman's over 20 years’ experience in antique, period and estate jewelry having facilitated the selling process for thousands of clients. Her career includes opening the Chicago jewelry department at Heritage Auctions and directing the Chicago office of CIRCA for twelve years. Earlier in her career she sold jewelry and watches for two of Chicago’s leading jewelers, CD Peacock and Sidney Garber. She is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America and has a Bachelor of Arts in music from Albion College. Ms. Thuston has received national and chapter awards for her work with the Women’s Jewelry Association and is an executive board member of the Chicago History Museum Costume Council, a candidate member of the National Association of Jewelry appraisers (NAJA), a voting member of the Accredited Gemologist Association (AGA) and member of The American Society of Jewelry Historians.

Essential Jewelry

WILLIAM HARPER, ENAMEL AND CULTURED PEARL 'DECEMBER FRAGMENT' BROOCH

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