An unassuming necklace, bought for a mere $15 at a Brooklyn flea market, has made headlines after selling for an astonishing $267,750 at a Christie's auction. The piece, initially regarded as an unusual vintage accessory, was discovered to be an original artwork by the celebrated American artist Alexander Calder.
From Flea Market Find to Modern Art Masterpiece
The story began when Philadelphia resident Norma Ifill acquired the silver-wire and cord necklace from a stall on Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue. Drawn to its distinctive appearance, Ifill purchased it without any knowledge of its creator or artistic significance. The necklace, crafted around 1940, was worn on various occasions over the years, its true value remaining unknown.
Authentication by Experts
The pivotal moment arrived when Ifill visited an exhibition featuring Calder's jewelry at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She recognized striking similarities between the displayed pieces and her flea market find. This led to experts authenticating her necklace as a genuine work by Alexander Calder.
Calder, widely celebrated for his groundbreaking mobiles and large-scale sculptures, also created a distinctive collection of wearable art, including necklaces and other jewelry designs. These pieces are now highly sought after by collectors, appreciated for their unique blend of sculpture, design, and personal adornment.
A Record-Breaking Auction Sale
Christie's cataloged the piece as Untitled (Necklace), describing it as a silver-wire and cord work executed around 1940. The auction house estimated its value between $200,000 and $300,000. Offered as Lot 107 at Christie's first open sale of post-war and contemporary art in New York in September 2013, the Alexander Calder necklace ultimately sold for $267,750, including the buyer’s premium.
This remarkable sale transformed a modest flea market purchase into a significant art market discovery, underscoring the potential hidden value in seemingly ordinary items and highlighting the enduring appeal of Calder's unique artistic vision.