These collectible copper serpentine earrings are by Winifred Mason Chenet. As a young African American woman with a masters degree in education from New York University, Winifred Mason (married name Chenet) made her first piece of jewelry in l940. By l946, she was selling her unique pieces to fashionable stores in New York city such as Bonwit Teller and Lord and Taylor.
Mason is considered to be an important part of the Modernist Art Jewelry movement in NYC. Her jewelry was worn by famous actors and entertainers, including American jazz singer, Billie Holiday. She believed “that jewelry was individual – that it should conform to the body of the wearer – to give it greater lasting value.” It is said that she never copied designs, making each piece unique, even if there were just slight variations.
These serpentine earrings are in very good vintage condition and signed “chenet.” I’ve left them in the condition I found them; no cleaning, polishing, or adjustments. The copper has a beautiful patina adding to their distinction.
These collectible and rare earrings measure just over an 1” tall and 3/4" wide with screw back fasteners. Winifred Mason Chenet’s jewelry is a vintage find for history, influence, and craft. Please reference the photos to get more perspective about these wonderful copper earrings.
Mason is considered to be an important part of the Modernist Art Jewelry movement in NYC. Her jewelry was worn by famous actors and entertainers, including American jazz singer, Billie Holiday. She believed “that jewelry was individual – that it should conform to the body of the wearer – to give it greater lasting value.” It is said that she never copied designs, making each piece unique, even if there were just slight variations.
These serpentine earrings are in very good vintage condition and signed “chenet.” I’ve left them in the condition I found them; no cleaning, polishing, or adjustments. The copper has a beautiful patina adding to their distinction.
These collectible and rare earrings measure just over an 1” tall and 3/4" wide with screw back fasteners. Winifred Mason Chenet’s jewelry is a vintage find for history, influence, and craft. Please reference the photos to get more perspective about these wonderful copper earrings.