This month, London jeweler Hancocks is highlighting one particularly fabulous jewel: a long, vintage necklace designed by Aldo Cipullo for Cartier in 1970. Boasting 17 polished black onyx rings of graduating size connected by 18k yellow gold oval links set with blue lapis lazuli, the piece is a great example of the Italian-born designer’s typical work.
“Cipullo was a handsome and charismatic man who embodied the phrase ‘Work hard, play hard’ and took full advantage of everything New York had to offer during the hedonistic ’70s,” said the managing director of Hancocks, Guy Burton, in a statement. “While Cipullo’s life came to a premature end, his name lives on and will forever be synonymous with bold, fabulous jewelry. His designs are as desirable now as when they were created—truly collectible jewels every bit as stylish as and fun as the man that conceived them.”
Before joining Cartier, Cipullo worked for David Webb and Gene Moore at Tiffany & Co. During his tenure at Cartier, Cipullo was the only employed designer who was permitted to sign his designs. He’s responsible for creating some of the jeweler’s most iconic pieces, including the Love bangle and the Juste un Clou. Cipullo moved on to start his own studio in 1974, and passed away at age 48 in 1984.
“This bold and brilliant necklace epitomizes Cipullo’s design ethos,” Burton said. “He believed that inspiration could be found everywhere, and he regularly transformed seemingly simple everyday shapes and motifs into desirable jewels. It’s a pleasure to be able to offer this piece for sale and just wonderful to see Cipullo’s pieces live on for another generation to enjoy and appreciate.”
(Photo courtesy of Hancocks)
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