232
232
USA, 1997
enamel on gold 2¼ h × 2¾ w × ¼ d in (6 × 7 × 1 cm)
enamel on gold 2¼ h × 2¾ w × ¼ d in (6 × 7 × 1 cm)
estimate: $3,500–4,500
follow artist
Incised signature and date to reverse ‘Iversen 97’.
Jewelry is one of the most graphic indicators of personal identity. In sync with the body, it helps to define the individuals who wear it. Jewelry is also among the most revealing examples of material culture. The necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and brooches worn by people throughout the ages contain powerful clues about the eras, traditions, habitations, and societies in which they lived.
To this day, jewelry continues to act as an important signifier. The twentieth century, along with the first two decades of the twenty-first, is particularly rich in what we refer to as “studio jewelry.” Studio jewelry, which is invariably handmade, can simply celebrate process and provide an alternative to fine or costume jewelry, but it can also harbor deeper meanings—concepts far beyond jewelry’s usual function as decoration, commemoration, or talisman. Studio jewelry exists at the nexus of art, craft, and design, often reflecting aesthetic concerns, theoretical doctrines, political agendas, or popular trends. Most studio jewelry is either unique or produced in limited edition. It can be fabricated from precious metals and gemstones, or created from materials outside the norm, or both. Studio jewelry may be easy to wear, or present tactical challenges. All in all, it is a most compelling adornment—whether we regard it technically, stylistically, artistically, or even existentially.
John Iversen is a highly acclaimed jeweler known for his distinctive and organic designs that capture the essence of nature's beauty. Born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, Iversen's fascination with the natural world began during his childhood explorations of nearby forests and beaches. These early experiences would later become the foundation for his artistic style.
Following his studies at the Vocational School for the Metal Industries in Düsseldorf, Iversen moved to Canada in 1970 and completed a four-year apprenticeship in goldsmithing with K.H. Stittgen in Vancouver before returning again to Germany and undertaking an independent study at Staatliche Zeichen Academy College for Jewelry Design and Manufacturing, Hanau. He returned to the United States in 1978 and established his eponymous jewelry brand; from its inception, his designs have stood out for their organic forms and attention to detail. Iversen often incorporates elements from nature, such as twigs, leaves, and seashells, into his pieces, which he casts directly in precious metals, preserving their delicate textures.
Iversen's work has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following. His jewelry has been exhibited in renowned galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. Collectors and art enthusiasts are drawn to the organic elegance and inherent narrative quality of his pieces, which invite wearers to connect with nature on a deeply personal level. Iversen's designs serve as a constant reminder that there is unparalleled beauty all around us, waiting to be discovered and celebrated.
Auction Results John Iversen