AFRO Basaldella (1912-1976)

Gold and Diamond Necklace, c.  1950

Made in 18ct yellow gold with a torque from which are suspended three abstract repoussé pendants with kinetic elements, and set with small brilliant cut diamonds. Designed by Afro Basaldella and made in the gold workshop of Mario Masenza, Rome

Marks: Inscribed on the reverse of the middle pendant, Afro, MASENZA.ROMA

Dimensions: Central pendant 5 x 6 cm; D. torque 12.5 cm

Literature: Afro. Le Due Dimensioni 2002, p. 63; Ori d’Artiste 2004, p. 48 (for illus. of a very similar example formerly in the collection of Princess Soraya of Iran); Martine Newby Haspeslagh, Jewels of the Italian Modern Masters, Didier Ltd, London 2015, p. 9, no. 3