|
||||
Panetta Lapis & Diamond Bob Cat Brooch NWS 2-1439
~ Panetta was a master platinum worker when he emigrated from Italy to the United States at the turn of the century. The American Depression forced him to turn his attention to working in other white metals, and thus the legend was born. Panetta was one of the most skilled and masterful jewelry makers this country has ever seen, and we are so lucky that he created his masterpieces in costume jewelry, or only the very privileged would be able to afford his creations. Fortunately, though scarce today (women horde his jewelry), there are, from time to time, a few pieces that reach the market, but they are quickly snatched up. ~ Treasured for their extraordinary beauty and grace, you simply cannot find anything comparable to a piece by Panetta. Every single stone was cut by hand, then set lovingly by hand. Panetta's grand nephew wrote to me a few months ago that his great uncle's extraordinary attention to detail actually caused him to go blind in the early 1960's. To hold one of his pieces in your hand is to see a slice of Heaven on earth! The exquisite quality and superior workmanship are simply unequalled anywhere. This is "real look" jewelry, meaning that no one will know this brooch didn't come from Harry Winston! ~ Having changed his focus to other white metals in which to set stones, Panetta selected rhodium for this brooch. Though the main body is goldtone, the masters know that "diamonds" always look more briliant with a white background. This, while the brooch is mainly goldtone, the cat's head and tail are rhodium, and are loaded with pavé-set, faceted, faux diamonds. ~ The body of the cat is depicted with deep, midnight blue enamel. His eyes are made of 2, faux onyx cabochons. Yes, I said eyes, in the plural. It is interesting to note that Panetta made the cat's head to be slightly off-center, so that it rises above his body. That means that his head is three dimensional - you can see the other side, and it is eqally covered with crystals and the same details as the side that faces front. ~ The brooch measures 1.9" high and 1.65" wide. ~ The reverse is marked "PANETTA". c. 1958, in superb vintage condition. It is unusual to find an enameled piece of this age in such fine condition.
Price = $235.00 b 4, k-p Who was Panetta? |
