Mid-Century Modern Georg Jensen ‘Winter’ Snowflake Sterling Silver Brooch
Jewelry (Brooch/Pin) · Georg Jensen (Denmark). Founded in 1904, Jensen is the most influential silversmith of the 20th century, known for blending Art Nouveau and Mid-Century Modern aesthetics into organic, high-quality functional art.
Pattern: Modernist Geometric / Snowflake Series; specific numbered designs within Jensen's jewelry catalog (likely design #100-#300 range). Unnamed pattern, often colloquially called ‘Snowflake’ or ‘Abstract Winter’.
Type
Jewelry (Brooch/Pin)
Maker
Georg Jensen (Denmark). Founded in 1904, Jensen is the most influential silversmith of the 20th century, known for blending Art Nouveau and Mid-Century Modern aesthetics into organic, high-quality functional art.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Consists of 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% copper for structural durability. Typical of Danish 20th-century silver jewelry.
Dimensions
Estimated at 3.5 cm x 4.0 cm (1.4 in x 1.6 in). Weight is approximately 10 to 15 grams of sterling silver.
Description
This striking Georg Jensen sterling silver brooch features an abstract, modernist interpretation of a snowflake or floral burst. The top section consists of a solid, polished 'shield' or arched crescent, which gives way to a complex, geometric lattice of snowflake-like points below. The play between solid mass and negative space is a hallmark of Scandinavian modernism, creating an item that feels both substantial and light.
Key Features
Danish Modernist aesthetic; distinct contrast between the polished smooth top and the intricate openwork bottom; signature Jensen oxidation in the crevices; vertical pin placement.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Consists of 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% copper for structural durability. Typical of Danish 20th-century silver jewelry.
Finish & Decoration
Polished high-shine front surface with an oxidized (intentionally darkened) background in the recessed openwork sections to provide depth and contrast. Style period: Mid-Century Modernist with organic geometric influences.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on reverse (though blurred in image) include the Georg Jensen dotted oval logo (post-1945), '925 S' for sterling fineness, 'DENMARK', and a design/catalogue number. Possibly an early ‘GJ’ monogram if older.
Construction Details
Precision cast using the lost-wax method, then hand-finished and polished. The openwork (pierced) design is characteristic of professional Danish workshop engineering. The pin mechanism is soldered to the reverse.
Functional Features
Single vertical pin stem with a safety C-clasp or trombone clasp mechanism. Openwork design allows the color of the wearer’s garment to show through the silver lattice.
Handle & Grip Details
The vertical pin and revolving safety catch are made of hardened silver or base metal for tension. Soft solder points connect the pin hinge and the catch to the main body.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior finish; the edges of the openwork are perfectly deburred and smooth. The thickness of the silver gauge is consistent, distinguishing it from thinner, cheaper department store imitations.
Authentication Indicators
The silhouette is consistent with known Jensen archive designs. Hallmark placement on the reverse wings is typical for Jensen brooches of this era. The soldering technique of the pin-back remains crisp, not sloppy, which aligns with Jensen’s high-tier craftsmanship.
Origin & Manufacturing
Copenhagen, Denmark. Manufactured in the Georg Jensen Silversmithy, renowned for its apprenticeship system and high quality control standards.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Post-WWII, circa 1945-1960s). This period focused on clean lines, abstract representations of nature, and the democratization of luxury jewelry.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970. The design language and the likely use of the 'dotted oval' hallmark (visible as a stamp on the left-side reverse) indicate a mid-to-late 20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Danish silver represents the pinnacle of 20th-century jewelry design, moving away from the ornate opulence of the Victorian era toward a minimalist 'form follows function' philosophy.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition. Light surface micro-scratching on the polished upper arch (commensurate with age). Minor tarnish in the recessed areas (desirable for depth). The pin appears straight, though the hinge shows light wear. Overall Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$250–$450 USD. Value is driven by the Georg Jensen brand name and the popularity of modernist Scandinavian designs in the current vintage market.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth. Do not use silver dips or harsh liquids, as they will remove the intentional oxidation (darkening) that provides the design's contrast. Store in a tarnish-resistant pouch.
Similar Pieces
Often compared to Hans Hansen or Niels Erik From designs. Unlike From, which often uses stones, Jensen focuses on the purity of the silver form itself.
Interesting Facts
Georg Jensen utilized many famous designers, such as Henning Koppel and Nanna Ditzel; this piece represents the 'everyday luxury' movement where fine silver became accessible to the growing middle class of the 1950s.