1960s Marguerite Stix Gold Shell Coral and Emerald Pin or Pendant

Description

Elegant and versatile this four shell pin designed by Marguerite Stix has two faceted emeralds in the center and a … more Elegant and versatile this four shell pin designed by Marguerite Stix has two faceted emeralds in the center and a large cabochon coral and emerald drop below. The brooch can be worn as a pin or a pendant, a pin without the coral drop, and the coral and emerald drop can also be removed and worn as a pendant giving you four different ways to wear this stunning piece, so there is no reason to leave home without it. The pin is stamped Stix and 14k on the back. It is in excellent condition.
Marguerite Stix was born in Vienna and although she was too young to be a member of the Wiener Werkstatte she nevertheless became a protege of Josef Hoffman at a very young age. She worked as a sculptor and artist in Vienna until she was forced to flee the German invasion of Austria in 1938. She fled to Paris where she began designing a line of ceramic pins and buttons. These became favorites of the Haute Couture houses of Molyneux, Balenciaga, Schiaparelli, Lanvin and Patou. In 1941 she was interred in a concentration camp in France. When she was released she made her way to America. She had her first show as a sculptor in New York City in 1951, working in terra cotta and bronze. She began to make jewelry in the mid 1960's until her death in 1975. She had a solo exhibit at Cartier in 1972 and they continued to sell her jewelry.
Measurements; Height 4" Width 3" less