Object Description
A wonderfully chunky and bold vintage necklace by Aldo Cipullo c. late 1970s, the necklace formed of eighteen circular domed discs of 18ct yellow gold, each with a rectangular geometric loop on top allowing it to be linked to the two carved and polished black onyx discs either side of it, the discs all graduating in size from front to back, to a concealed clasp. After leaving Cartier in 1974 he set up his own design studio and enjoyed complete creative freedom. Over the next few years his jewels captured the freedom of 70s America and the glamour of New York life in the era of Studio 54. This fabulous necklace brings a little of that atmosphere forward through the decades with its bold and unapologetic nature and attention loving design.
Maker
Aldo Cipullo
Period
Circa late 1970s
Origin
America
Gemstones
14 x round black onyx discs
Setting
18ct yellow gold signed Aldo Cipullo
Weight
251 grams
Dimensions
21.5″ / 54.6cm long
Width from 0.7″ / 1.8cm at centre back graduating to 1.3″ / 3.5cm at centre front
Provenance
From the Private Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Simcox Swensson
Directors Notes
Cipullo’s name is forever intertwined with Cartier as he designed one of the most popular Cartier jewels of all time, the ‘Love’ bangle. Shortly after he designed the ‘Juste un Clou’ arguably as recognisable and iconic as the former. Cipullo believed that inspiration could be found all around and he had the ability to transform everyday shapes and motifs into desirable jewels. He left Cartier in 1974 to establish his own freelance atelier and and enjoy complete creative freedom and this fabulous necklace is a fabulous example of this era. Cipullo continued to have great success until sadly in 1984 he suffered a double heart attack and died at the age of just 48. Decades later his designs still as desirable as when they were created, they have become iconic, collectable jewels loved by people every bit as stylish and fun-loving as the man who conceived them.