Vintage LA Paglia 132 Sterling Silver Bead Leaf Brooch Pin
An elegant example of mid-century American studio silver, this sterling brooch reflects the organic, hand-wrought modernism associated with Alphonse La Paglia, a designer trained in the Georg Jensen tradition who brought Scandinavian sensibility to American craftsmanship in the 1940s and 1950s. The design is composed around a single voluptuous leaf or petal form, raised and gently domed so that its polished surface swells with a soft, satiny luster that shifts between bright and matte as it catches the light. From this central leaf, slender lengths of round silver wire sweep outward in confident, freehand curves, framing the composition with a graceful open loop above and resolving into a tightly coiled volute scroll at the lower edge. A line of graduated silver beads, descending from a larger sphere to progressively smaller ones, lends rhythm and a naturalistic tendril-like accent, evoking unfurling buds or seed heads. This combination of smooth modeled volume, fluid drawn wire and applied beadwork is the hallmark of the hand-forged biomorphic style, where every element appears grown rather than manufactured. The metal shows a warm, mellow patina with subtle tonal variation across the polished leaf, indicating genuine age and honest wear; there are no visible dents or losses, and the wirework remains crisp and springy. The reverse would carry a pin-and-catch fitting typical of the form. As a wearable piece, the brooch is sculptural yet restrained, equally at home on a lapel, scarf or knit. For collectors, the appeal lies in its association with the prized Jensen-influenced La Paglia school of American silversmithing, its strong organic-modernist design vocabulary, and its quality of hand execution. Pieces of this character are increasingly sought after by enthusiasts of mid-century studio jewelry, offering both decorative beauty and a meaningful place within twentieth-century silver design history.
At Danny's Vintage Watches, we rigorously authenticate and inspect every watch to guarantee both its authenticity and exceptional quality. Your complete satisfaction is our utmost priority. We are dedicated to guiding you to the ideal timepiece that meets your desires. Should you have any inquiries, our team is ready to provide swift and comprehensive assistance.
Our Guarantee:
- Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
- The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
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What Our Clients Say About Us
I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)
Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.
This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….
Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!