Origins & Legacy of Art Jewellery in South Africa

Timed Online Auction, 6 - 22 October 2025

Origins
About the Session

Origins, explores the emergence of South African fine metal artistry through pioneering immigrant goldsmiths and jewellers such as Erich Frey, Peter Cullman, Margaret Richardson, Elsa Wongchowsky, Tessa Fleischer and Birger Haglund.  Many were drawn to South Africa after the Second World War, seeking opportunities to establish workshops. Their training in European institutions, such as Pforzheim, equipped them with modernist principles and technical expertise.  Their works embodied modernist aesthetics while adapting to local contexts. They experimented with form, texture, and materiality, linking jewellery to broader artistic movements. 


88
Origins
Legacy

Found 43 lots in session 1

Results include Buyer's Premium and VAT
Birger Haglund silver disc necklace
Birger Haglund silver disc necklace
ZAR 2 500 - 3 500
Sold for ZAR 3 004
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
 
Birger Haglund pearl ring
Birger Haglund pearl ring
ZAR 1 000 - 2 000
Sold for ZAR 2 643
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
 
Birger Haglund carnelian earrings
Birger Haglund carnelian earrings
ZAR 1 000 - 1 500
Sold for ZAR 1 202
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
 
Birger Haglund African disc bracelet
Birger Haglund African disc bracelet
ZAR 2 000 - 3 000
Sold for ZAR 2 643
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
 
Else Wongtschowsky enamel and carnelian ring
Else Wongtschowsky enamel and carnelian ring
ZAR 2 500 - 3 500
Sold for ZAR 3 004
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
 
Else Wongtschowsky rose quartz brooch
Else Wongtschowsky rose quartz brooch
ZAR 1 000 - 2 000
Sold for ZAR 1 202
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
 
Tessa Fleischer amethyst and silver neckpiece
Tessa Fleischer amethyst and silver neckpiece
ZAR 5 000 - 7 000
Sold for ZAR 5 406
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
 

Results in green indicate post sales.