John Hernandez Silver and Opal Bird Pin [SOLD]

Three synthetic opal gemstones were cut and set in a creative manner on this unique silver bird. The artist, John Hernandez, fashioned the bird in three sections. The head features horns and a small, intricately made crown. The face of the bird contains a crescent of blue opal. The center part of the bird has an oval cabochon of opal and an unknown sand-colored composite. The bird’s tail falls from a hinge and features a triangular piece of opal. The impression is that this is a “fantastical beast,” flying out of an unknown magical realm. 

While we are unable to find any information about the artist, it is signed on the back and the records of Marvin and Betty Rubin indicate that it was purchased at an auction in 1990. The Rubins collected jewelry based on the esthetic value of an item, and although we can find nothing about the maker, the workmanship of this piece is excellent. The silverwork and the manner in which the artist hinged the pieces together demonstrates that the maker was skillful. The pin is signed HERNANDEZ with the initials CS/4.

Condition: the pin is in excellent condition. 

Provenance: this John Hernandez Silver and Opal Bird Pin is from the estate of Marvin and Betty Rubin