Abe Pass Jewellery

Rare 1970s Sculptural Jewels for Sale

Consigned to our next Fine Jewellery & Watches Auction is a stunning and sculptural selection of jewellery dating to the 1970s. Arguably one of the most experimental decades for jewellery design in the 20th Century, these jewels exemplify the bold, innovative and creative ethos of 1970s jewellers.

Each crafted in 18ct yellow gold and with platinum settings for the diamonds, these rings are crafted by Abe Pass, a Lithuanian born South African jeweller. Abe Pass trained with Doug Sanders & Levitts and established his Cape Town studio in 1963. He designed individual jewellery items meaning each of his creations are entirely unique - he won several exhibitions throughout the 1970s and lectured at Stellenbosch University. Incredibly infrequently offered at auction (with only one other sales result online) this wonderful collection will sell on 20th March.

Abe Pass diamond ring

A 1970s diamond dress ring by Abe Pass. £800-1,200.

 

The above piece is a wonderful piece of wearable art. Showcasing two brilliant cut diamonds in rod settings, encased within a textured gold hoop, this ring setting measures 10mm in height, which belies its relatively modest M1/2 ring size. This striking rod design was used by the most daring of the 1970s jewellers, noable examples include Abe Pass' British peers John Donald, Tom Scott, and Andrew Grima

Abe Pass 1970s diamond dress ring

A 1970s diamond dress ring by Abe Pass. £550-750.

This geometric dress ring certainly is a display of exceptional craftsmanship. Set with four lively brilliant cut diamonds, the real wow-factor for this piece is its remarkably intricate setting. Featuring both textured and polished wirework in square, rectangular and circular overlapping formations, this piece is captivating. 

 

 

Attributed to Abe Pass ring

A 1970s diamond dress ring, attributed to Abe Pass. £900-1,400.

 

Finally, this beautiful and extremely striking diamond cluster ring. Set with approximately 2.20cts of brilliant cut diamonds, well matched and with estimated grades of J/K for the colour and VS2/SI1 for the clarity, this piece exudes luxury. Set atop a meticulously crafted scrolling nest and finished with typical textured shoulders, this diamond ring certainly is a party piece! This example does not bear the A.P.P. marks of the other rings, however is stamped 18ct with the same mark, hails from the same private collection and bears the same design tropes as the other two examples, hence our attribution. 

This collection of 1970s jewellery was discovered by our specialist on a routine valuation appointment, and will feature as part of our Fine Jewellery & Watches Sale taking place on Thursday 20th March. The market for 1960s and 70s jewellery is continuing to grow, with recent results indicating a strong collector base and current buyer interest. Below are examples of signed and attributed 1960s-70s jewellery that sold at Wilson 55 in the last couple of years. 

 


 

For further information on these lots, or for a free auction valuation of your unworn jewellery, contact our FGA DGA CPAA jewellery specialist via liz.bailey@wilson55.com

 

 

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