
Margaret De Patta 1903–1964
More than any other jewelry designer of the twentieth century, Margaret De Patta unified the visual theories of early progressive movements with mid-century design sensibilities to create jewelry that, while seemingly minimal, is built upon studied, complex relationships of light, form and space. De Patta was one of the first jewelry designers to elevate nontraditional materials beyond their humble origins—metal elements were layered to create depth, convex and faceted quartz added an entrancing range of optical effects and overall compositions were meticulous, as though they were clear, clean answers to conundrums only De Patta could see. As a student of the New Bauhaus and its populist spirit in the 1940s, De Patta also led the charge on the debate over mass-producing art jewelry, arguing that good design should be accessible.
Auction Results Margaret De Patta

Margaret De Patta
ring
estimate: $3,000–4,000
result: $7,670

Margaret De Patta
brooch
estimate: $7,000–9,000
result: $6,600

Margaret De Patta
ring, model 1
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $5,625

Margaret De Patta
ring (production ring #1)
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $5,625

Margaret De Patta
Production Pin no. 6
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $5,625

Margaret De Patta
pin
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $3,750

Margaret De Patta
brooch (Production Pin no. 39)
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $3,250

Margaret De Patta
Untitled (photogram)
estimate: $1,000–1,500
result: $1,625

Margaret De Patta
Untitled
estimate: $500–700
result: $625

Margaret De Patta
brooch
estimate: $5,000–7,000

Margaret De Patta
collection of jewelry studies and photographs
estimate: $1,500–2,000

Margaret De Patta
brooch, no. 6 and earrings, no. 57
estimate: $5,000–7,000

Margaret De Patta
pin
estimate: $2,000–3,000

Margaret De Patta
Production Pin no. 5
estimate: $5,000–7,000

Margaret De Patta
ring
estimate: $5,000–7,000

Margaret De Patta
A sterling silver, rock crystal and moonstone brooch
estimate: $10,000–15,000

Margaret De Patta
A gold, silver, onyx and pearl brooch
estimate: $6,000–8,000

Margaret De Patta
brooch
estimate: $5,000–7,000

Margaret De Patta
earrings
estimate: $1,500–2,000

Margaret De Patta
brooch
estimate: $7,000–9,000

Margaret De Patta
brooch (Production pin #5)
estimate: $3,000–5,000