This is a rare vintage sterling silver pierced napkin ring designed by Alphonse LaPaglia (Italian, 1907-1953) for Georg Jensen, USA. The ring features a bellflower motif.
Sicilian-born, LaPaglia was influenced by the historic arts of Southern Europe during his formative years. As tastes began to change in the second quarter of the 20th century, LaPaglia moved toward the spare and Modernist style popularized by Dutch designers. During World War II, when the supply of Jensen wares from Copenhagen were cut off, LaPaglia created pieces for Georg Jensen, U.S.A. LaPaglia parted ways with Jensen sometime in 1948-49 but continued on with his own production. In 1952 he partnered with the International Silver Company and relocated his workshop to headquarters in Meriden, Connecticut. It was there that he met Danish-born Kurt Eric Christoffersen, also a designer for International Silver. The two formed the International Sterling Craft Associates, which produced a line of high-end Modernist jewelry and hollowware. Tragically, LaPaglia was unable to see his vision through as he died less than a year later as a result of complications from a fall. Following his death, International Silver acquired the design rights from LaPaglia's widow and production of the visionary's designs continued.
1 7/8 x 3/4". It weighs 1.35ozt