Organic Brutalist Gold Pendant
Jewelry, wearable art (pendant and chain) • Attributed to 'René of Hollywood' (based on box branding)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Brutalism
Medium & Technique
Yellow gold (likely 10k or 14k based on period); lost-wax casting with textured nugget-style finish
Creation Period
Circa 1960s–1970s
Dimensions & Format
Pendant: approximately 20-25mm in height; Chain: approximately 16-18 inches; Portrait orientation within display case.
Subject Description
The pendant features an abstract, organic 'nugget' form characteristic of the mid-20th-century fascination with raw, unrefined textures. It lacks representational subject matter, focusing instead on the play of light over rugged, molten-like surfaces and negative space within the casting.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The gold retains a strong luster, though the presentation box shows surface lint and minor wear to the velvet and silk lining.
Estimated Market Value
USD $150 – $350 (highly dependent on gold karat weight and gram weight)
Auction Estimate
USD $100 – $250
Provenance History
Original presentation box indicates 'René of Hollywood,' a commercial jewelry outfit active in the mid-century era catering to the Southern California market.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the democratization of 'Brutalist' design in the 1970s, where high-art concepts of raw materiality were translated into commercial luxury goods. While not a unique gallery piece, it serves as a cultural artifact of Hollywood's mid-century fashion scene.
Notable Features
The 'René of Hollywood' branding in gold script inside the lid is a distinctive regional provenance marker. The 'nugget' texture is a classic 1970s design trope intended to evoke raw gold ore.
Condition Issues
Minor surface scratches consistent with age; possible dulling of the gold in recessed areas; dust accumulation in the fibers of the presentation case.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with a soft jewelry cloth; storage in a low-humidity environment to prevent box degradation; professional verification of gold purity and clasp integrity.