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Oct 15, 2026DE

Unusual Brooch With Green Glass Paste & Marcasites, Theodor Fahrner

Theodor Fahrner made artists' jewellery affordable because he combined modern forms with democratic materials. He did not create individual pieces for a small elite, as was the case with Lalique or Cartier. Instead, the designs were mass-produced in silver, decorated with enamel, marcasites, and occasionally with simple gemstones. Jewellers and department stores throughout Europe sold the jewellery, which Fahrner advertised extensively in journals and magazines: "Fahrner jewellery - based on designs by the best artists" allowed every woman to participate in a modern life full of beauty. In the history of jewellery from Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Fahrner jewellery from Pforzheim therefore occupies a special place. For Theodor Fahrner and later his successor Gustav Braendle understood like hardly any other jewellery manufacturer of the modern era how to make artistically convincing designs and quality workmanship the hallmark of their brooches, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Salesmen with large sample cases presented the new products developed in Pforzheim to jewellers in the various cities of Germany every year. One such sample case full of unworn Fahrner jewellery had lain untouched in an attic for the past 40+ years until it was offered to us. It contained samples of almost all series from about 1919 until the dissolution of the company in 1979, most of them with a model number or the "Original Fahrner" seal. Many of these jewellery pieces are voucher specimens unknown in the literature so far. The brooch presented here is therefore also unworn and perfectly preserved. The brooch shows itself as a sweeping arrangement, in the natural shape of a leaf. The surface is matted by small hatchings, but countless marcasite roses serve as highlights. A green glass paste is another eye-catcher in this design and emphasizes the closeness to nature. A wonderful overview of the wealth of designs is offered in the catalogue "Theodor Fahrner. Schmuck zwischen Avantgarde und Tradition", edited by Brigitte Leonhardt and Dieter Zühlsdorff, Stuttgart 2005. The brooch is made of silver that has been lightly gilded. This type of gilding is called "antique gilding" by Fahrner. It has a cool, slightly greenish-gold tone, by which Fahrner jewellery can be easily identified. The brooch was made in the years around 1950 and bears the original Fahrner label with the old order number. Discover all the other Fahrner jewellery we offer here..

Estimate:£245.48

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Unusual Brooch With Green Glass Paste & Marcasites, Theodor Fahrner

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£245.48

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