A striking yet sophisticated pair of vintage earrings by acclaimed New York jeweller Henry Dunay, crafted in rich 18ct yellow gold and beautifully sculpted in his signature flame leaf design. These sculptural earrings combine a soft, brushed texture with a highly polished finish – a masterful interplay of light and form that exemplifies Dunay’s celebrated artistry.
Dating from the 1970s, these clip-on earrings sit gracefully on the ear, with a refined curvature that flatters the profile. They come presented in their original Garrard & Co. leather case – a mark of distinction in itself – and are accompanied by the original Garrard receipt, dated June 1993, for £2,835.
A rare and collectable piece of fine jewellery with superb provenance, ideal for the connoisseur or collector of 20th-century design.
Details:
Designer: Henry Dunay
Signed, numbered and fully hallmarked 18ct gold
Dimensions: 2.2cm x 1.6cm
Weight: 13.5 grams
Clip-on fittings for non-pierced ears
Circa 1970s
In excellent condition
Presented in the original Garrard & Co. fitted case (with light wear)
Accompanied by original Garrard receipt, dated June 1993
Ref: 21217
An elegant investment in timeless style from one of the 20th century’s most sought-after jewellery houses.
Henry Paul Dunay, born Henry Loniewski, 1st May 1935 – died 10th November 2023) Henry Dunay was an American gold smith and jewellery designer, best known for his fine scratched surface technique known as Sabi.
He was apprenticed to a New York City jeweller Rudolph Cacioli where Dunay learned his trade of creating jewellry. Though starting as an errand boy, he quickly worked his way up to becoming a master model maker and setter at a remarkably young age,. Observing that most jewellery in shop followed the same styles and dimensions. He started his own firm in 1956. Taking on work from other manufacturers (including Harry Winston) to support himself initially, Dunay quickly found success and fame after winning the De Beers Diamond International Award, which showered images of his designs around the world.
Soon, Henry Dunay jewelry could be found in some of the most important jewellery stores where shoppers were drawn to the unique style, sensuous curves, and exceptional craftsmanship of the jewellery designed and created by Henry Dunay. A key supporter was Stanley Marcus, whose Neiman Marcus department stores first sold branded designer jewelry when they began selling Henry Dunay jewelry.
Henry Dunay achieved notable success after the introduction of the Sabi finish. Inspired by the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic, which embraces asymmetry, simplicity, and the integrity of natural processes and objects. Described initially as “simple elegance, Sabi consisted of finely hand-etched lines that require remarkable precision and skill by Henry Dunay to create the sophisticated look. Coinciding with the brand’s rising popularity in Japan and the growing influence of Far Eastern cultures on its designs, Sabi solidified once again Henry Dunay’s position as a leading jewellery designer, artist and trendsetter in the world of fine jewelry.
Dunay designed a ring from an uncut Arkansas diamond for Hillary Clinton to wear to the 1993 inaugural balls.
declaration
The Chelsea Bijouterie has clarified that the Henry Dunay 18ct Gold Flame Leaf Earrings Vintage 1970s in Original Garrard Box (LA535201) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being circa 1970s