Rare Sterling Silver Jewelry Suite by The Kalo Shop

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A rare full set of sterling jewelry suite by the Kalo Shop in Chicago circa 1920s. The set consists of … Read more A rare full set of sterling jewelry suite by the Kalo Shop in Chicago circa 1920s. The set consists of 5 matching pieces in handwrought silver hallmarked by the studio with their original packing including outer box and inner dust bags. The exquisite design is influenced by Art Nouveau floral motifs and a Scandinavian aesthetic, reflecting the height of the American movement of Arts & Crafts. The set consists of a pair of screw back earrings (0.9" height), a bracelet with box clip (6.75" in circumvention), a pin brooch (1.4" width), and chocker necklace (14.5" length). All pieces were branded hallmarked Handwrought Sterling Kalo. The original paper box was lined in satin pad and is quite worn. There are also labeled dust bags for the earrings, brooch and bracelet.
The Kalo Shop in Chicago (1900-1970) was the leading silversmith of American Arts and Crafts movement. The shop and affiliated Kalo Arts and Crafts Community House, a practicing school and workshop noted for silver and jewelry in nearby Park Ridge, Illinois, were founded in 1900 by a group of six young women who had trained at the Art Institute of Chicago. Clara Pauline Barck Welles (1868-1965) was the group's leader and most notable member. At its peak, the studio has 25 silversmiths including members from Scadinavian countries while the designers were almost exclusively women. Ceased to operate in 1970 due to the lack of trained silversmith, the pieces by The Kalo shop are relatively scarce nowadays. It is rare to see a full set of jewelry in near pristine condition with the original package. See less