“The Spratling of Peru”… Florentine-born, Graziella Laffi lived and worked in Lima, Peru, producing singular silver and gold jewelry, as well as holloware, in Pre-Columbian {often Pre-Inca}, folkloric, and modernist motifs. Most aficionados believe that her creations rival the classic pieces that came out of Mexico. With Ms. Laffi's passing in 2009, her works—among today's hottest collectibles in the field—are becoming less easy to find and even more desirable.
Here is a gallery of my Graziella Laffi collection, some of which is currently for sale. I am always adding to the album, as I find more Laffi. If you would like to purchase pieces such as these—as well as other vintage collectibles—you can contact me directly at: vtgadvantage@aol.com. Or visit my online shops, TheVintageAdvantage on Ruby Lane and/or AdvantageYours on Etsy [just click on the links at the bottom of the homepage].
Album by June Townsend. Photos by June Townsend. 1 - 314 of 314 Total. 7626 Visits.
1 G. Laffi Bird Pin. 925 silver + mottled enamel.
2 Pin back with poorly struck G. Laffi hallmark.
3 G. Laffi Open Cuff Bracelet. 925 silver. Hammered + applied silver.
4 View #2.
5 View #3.
6 View #4.
7 Hallmark.
8 G. Laffi Bird Pin. 925 silver + enamel. Hammered + applied silver with industrial-style, three-dimensional border. I have always thought the design looks like a baby bird within its egg.
9 View #2.
10 View #3.
11 View #4.
12 Pin Back.
13 Hallmark.
14 G. Laffi Bird Pin. 925 silver + mottled enamel.
15 View #2.
16 Pin back.
17 Hallmark.
18 G. Laffi Birds + Fish Pin. Interesting elliptical form. 925 silver + mottled enamel.
19 View #2.
20 Pin back.
21 Hallmark.
22 G. Laffi Cat or Jaguar Large Pin. 925 silver + enamel. Exceptional cutwork + surmounted silver.
23 View #2.
24 Pin back + hallmark.
25 Hallmark.
26 G. Laffi Inca Tumi God Pin. 925 silver + 18K gold.
27 Hallmark.
28 G. Laffi Large Chinchilla Pin. 925 silver + enamel. A rare + extraordinary work that takes its design and concept from William Spratling’s classic “Curled Jaguar Brooch,” which was produced during the maestro’s First Design Period [1931-1946].
29 View #2.
30 Pin Back.
31 Hallmark.
32 G. Laffi “Inti” Sun God Pin [#1]. 925 Silver. Interesting stylization with simian-like face, with spiraling, pinwheel rays emanating from it. Fabulous cutwork + applied silver.
33 Pin back with hallmark.
34 G. Laffi “Inti” Sun God Pin [#2]. 925 Silver. Interesting stylization with simian-like face, with spiraling, pinwheel rays emanating from it. Fabulous cutwork + applied silver.
35 Pin back + hallmark.
36 G. Laffi “Inti” Sun God Pin [#3]. 925 Silver. Interesting stylization with simian-like face, with spiraling, pinwheel rays emanating from it. Fabulous cutwork + applied silver.
37 Pin back + hallmark.
38 G. Laffi Viracocha Pin. 925 silver + mottled enamel. Viracocha was the supreme god of the Inca.
39 Pin back + hallmark.
40 G. Laffi Large Highly Stylized Interpretation of Viracocha or Staff God Deity Pin. 925 silver. Meticulous cutwork, detailed incising + applied silver.
41 Full view front.
42 Close up top section.
43 Close up bottom section.
44 Pin back.
45 Hallmark.
46 G. Laffi Hammered Open Cuff Bracelet. 925 silver. Spectacular motif with dramatic tool work + surmounted silver.
47
48 View #3.
49 View #4.
50 View #5.
51 Hallmark.
52 G. Laffi Cufflinks + Tie Bar Set. 925 silver. Sublime pre-Columbian primitive in modernist setting.
68 G. Laffi Spiraling Ocean Waves + Fish Earrings. 925 silver.
69 Earrings back + hallmark.
70 G. Laffi Large Pre-Columbian Fish Pin. 925 silver + mottled enamel. A true masterwork of design + technique, and one of my personal favorites.
71 View #2.
72 View #3.
73 Pin back.
74 Hallmark.
75 Exceptionally Rare G. Laffi Bird Pendant. 925 silver + crushed stone inlay.
76 View #2.
77 Hallmark.
78 Rare G. Laffi Large Bypass Ring. 925 silver.
79 View #2.
80 View #3.
81 Hallmark.
82 Luminous G. Laffi Large Swan Pin. 925 silver + 18K gold. Splendid cutwork, minimalist incising + applied gold wing and eye.
83 View #2.
84 View #3.
85 Pin back.
86 Hallmark.
87 Spectacular G. Laffi Lobster Pin. 925 silver + enamel. Outstanding cutwork, minimalist but deep incising with oxidizing + applied silver elements.
88 View #2.
89 View #3.
90 Pin back.
91 Hallmark.
92 Unusual + Large G. Laffi Stylized Pre-Columbian Animal Figural Pin, Perhaps a Puma. 925 silver + stone-like enamel work.
93 Full view.
94 Pin back.
95 Poorly struck or incomplete hallmark, with name missing. Comparison to other Laffi hallmarks, as well as design + construction of piece, indicate that this is most likely a Graziella Laffi original work.
101 G. Laffi Chinchilla Pin. 925 silver. A rare + extraordinary work that takes its design and concept from William Spratling’s classic “Curled Jaguar Brooch,” which was produced during the maestro’s First Design Period [1931-1946].
102 Alternate view.
103 Pin back.
104 Hallmark.
105 Whimsical G. Laffi Flying Bird or Fish Pin. 925 silver + enamel.
106 View #2.
107 View #3.
108 Pin back.
109 Hallmark.
110 Fabulous G. Laffi Hummingbird Pin. 925 silver + 18K gold. Goldwork is surmounted to the silver body. Note exceptionally delicate cutwork, as well as superb “feather” incising on wing.
111 Full view.
112 Alternate view.
113 Pin back.
114 Hallmark.
115 Rare G. Laffi Half-Fish, Half-Man Pin. 925 silver with enamel eye. Spectacular cutwork, applied silver, and linear incising.
116 Alternate view.
117 Alternate view #2.
118 Pin back.
119 Hallmark.
120 Winsome + Whimsical G. Laffi Snail Dog Pin. 925 silver with enamel eye.
121 Alternate view.
122 Back of pin.
123 Hallmark.
124 Extraordinary G. Laffi Stylized and Abbreviated Viracocha or Staff God Deity Head Pin. 925 silver with enamel eyes.
125 Alternate view.
126 Full view.
127 Pin back.
128 Hallmark.
129 Unusual G. Laffi Monkey Man Pin. 925 silver.
130 Alternate view.
131 Alternate view.
132 Pin back.
133 Hallmark.
134 Big, Bold + Bodacious Graziella Laffi Silver Crab Clip Earrings. Handwrought in .925. Boast Laffi’s signature fusion of pre-Columbian and modernist styles. Feature exceptional cutwork, incising, and applied silver elements.
135 Full-length view of both earrings.
136 Back view of earring crab motif.
137 Alternate view.
138 Alternate view 2.
139 Back side of earrings showing Laffi’s hallmark clip fittings with cutout stars, as well as hallmarks.
140 Graziella Laffi Sterling Silver Fish with Enamel Eye Pin. Handwrought in .925 silver + poured, turquoise enamel eye set in raised silver bezel. Note sinuous cutwork, surmounted silver, minimalist incising + oxidizing.
147 This rarified, handwrought brooch boasts G. Laffi’s silver making imagination at its most spectacular. Taking its design from a pre-Inca motif, known as the “Anthropomorphic Mythical Being,” the brooch depicts a fearsome figure that is part fish—with jagged teeth and spiked body—and part man, with human leg and arm grasping a club.
148 The piece is infused with the artist’s stylized flair and masterful technique, exhibiting a deeply convex form that creates superb dimension; meticulous, highly defined cutwork; stunning yet minimalist incising, enhanced with oxidizing; and marvelous, mottled enamelwork, seamless within the silver and fabulously vibrant in color.
149 It is an outstanding work of wearable art, as well as a distinguished collectible for aficionados of Graziella Laffi and mid-century modernist jewelry.
150 Back view.
151 Hallmark view.
152 Fabulous G. Laffi Silver + Enamel Brooch. Do you see two opposing birds...or one smiling crab?!
157 Fabulous Large G.Laffi Sterling Silver Long-haired Llamas Brooch. Design adapted from pre-Columbian Inca, silver sheet metal sculpture of long-haired llama, featured in the book Treasures of The Andes by Jeffrey Quilter. .925 silver, precision cutwork, minimalist chasing enhanced by oxidizing, and surmounted silver elements.
158 Full-on view.
159 Slightly enlarged front view.
160 Alternate view to note deep convex form of piece, which creates superb dimensionality.
161 Alternate view.
162 Hallmark view.
163 Alternate view.
164 Splendid Graziella Laffi Hammered Sterling Silver Fish with Oversize Blue Enamel Eye Brooch.
165 Alternate view.
166 Alternate view.
167 Alternate view.
168 Back of piece.
169 Hallmarks.
170 Alternate view.
171 Unusually Dainty Openwork Llama Pendant on Open Ring Chain with Spring-ring Clasp. 925 silver with beautifully cut llama figure surmounted to open circle frame.
172 Alternate view.
173 Close up of llama pendant.
174 Back of pendant with hallmarks.
175 Alternate view full view.
176 Exceptionally Rare + Magnificent G. Laffi Mixed Metal Openwork Arm Band Cuff Bracelet. Composed of .925 silver and hammered copper. This singular work transcends Laffi’s signature fusion of pre-Columbian motifs and abstract modernism, to enter the realm of the ground-breaking, mid-century studio jewelers like Art Smith.
177 Alternate view.
178 Alternate view.
179 Alternate view.
180 Alternate view.
181 Alternate view.
182 Hallmarks.
183 Alternate view.
184 Alternate view.
185 Quite Fabulous G. Laffi Diving Bird with Fish Silver Brooch. Composed of .925 silver. Superb geometric, angular form of bird with minimalist chasing, applied silver, and very unusual deep amber or carnelian-colored enamel eye in silver bezel. The fish dangles from the bird’s beak.
186 Alternate view.
187 Alternate view.
188 Alternate view.
189 Alternate view.
190 Back of brooch.
191 Hallmarks.
192 Note striking translucency of enamel in bird’s eye.
200 Displaying Laffi’s signature, modernist flair and masterful technique, this brooch nonetheless marks a departure from the artist’s better-known silver and enamel jewelry.
201 Quite imposing in size and weight, it exhibits an exceptionally abstract form in its depiction of a highly stylized water bird. The figure is deeply convex, imbuing it with a robust, dimensional quality, and the cutwork, minimal chasing, and surmounted and inset silverwork are bold and exhilarating in design.
202 But it is the enameling that truly sets the piece apart. Lustrous, vibrant—and seamlessly integrated into the body of the piece—the enamel is executed in a sublime, mottled patterning of colors that boasts astonishing opalescent hues of blue, turquoise, lavender, gold, and green.
203 Literally glowing from within, the pin is infused with energy and liveliness.
204 It is an outstanding work of wearable art, as well as a distinguished collectible for aficionados of Graziella Laffi and mid-century modernist jewelry.
209 The puma was revered by the Inca, just as the jaguar was in Mesoamerican civilizations. In fact, the original city plan of Old Cuzco was supposedly designed based on the form of a crouching puma.
210 Alternate view.
211 Alternate view.
212 Alternate view.
213 Alternate view.
214 Back of brooch.
215 Hallmarks.
216 Alternate view.
217 Classic G. Laffi Pelican Brooch in .925 Silver + 18K Gold Appliques.
218 Alternate view.
219 Alternate view.
220 Alternate view.
221 Alternate view.
222 Alternate view.
223 Back of brooch. showing hallmarks.
224 Alternate view.
225 Fabulous G. Laffi Dangling Earrings in .925 Silver. Design depicts diving bird catching fish.
226 Alternate view.
227 Alternate view.
228 Alternate view.
229 Alternate view.
230 Alternate view.
231 Back of earrings.
232 Hallmarks on each earring.
233 Alternate view.
234 Exceptionally Rare G. Laffi Pendant Brooch Necklace in .925 Silver + Mottled Malachite Green Enamel.
235 Alternate view.
236 Alternate view.
237 Alternate view.
238 Alternate view.
239 Alternate view.
240 Back of piece.
241 Hallmarks.
242 Alternate view.
243 Interesting G. Laffi Double Bird Brooch in .925 Silver with Enamel Eyes.
244 Alternate view.
245 Alternate view.
246 Alternate view.
247 Alternate view.
248 Hallmarks.
249 Alternate view.
250 Rare G. Laffi Bird Brooch (Possibly a Turkey) in .925 Silver + Enamel Eye. Wonderful linear chasework.
251 Alternate view.
252 Alternate view.
253 Alternate view.
254 Markings.
255 Alternate view.
256 Exceptionally Rare + Fabulous G. Laffi Sterling Silver + Ceramic Puma Cat Necklace with Ceramic Turquoise Nuggets Embellishing the Segmented Chain.
Just acquired a small pelican brooch very similar to yours. Not signed but 18ct gold and 925 silver, think this could be Graziella - Olwyn Maddox, Thu, 27 Jun 2019 11:09AM
I have a Laffe necklace that my husband bought in 1965. Description as "Collar de oro de 18 kl. Mod. exclusivo disenado por Graciela Laffi del Peru con piedras antiguas sacados deantigospre-colombinos." The hanging geometric design was inspired by the moon which was considered a god. Pre Inca era - S. XII XIII D.C. Are you familiar with this? - Renee Greer, Wed, 30 Jan 2019 11:05AM
Hello! Your collection is beautiful! I was given a piece of Laffi jewelry recently from my Grandmother. It's different than anything I've seen online. Would be very interested to find out a little more about it if u have the time. Thanks much!
OUTSTANDING! Thanks for sharing. I love Laffi's creativity - Andrea, Thu, 4 Sep 2014 7:39PM
To see these is magnificent. My parents lived in Lima when I was a teenager, and I collected her jewelry at the time. If you want to add to your collection, please let me know. I would be happy to email pictures. I also have a large Tumi mask framed print signed 'Silvia' that I believe my parents bought from Laffi. Happy to share photos/sell. - Eloise, Sun, 23 Mar 2014 11:10AM
Thank you for sharing this wonderful collection and capturing the details in the photos. - Barb Moore, Sat, 16 Jun 2012 7:26PM
I have a signed laffi peacock....standing about 8",,,,,,would like to sell to a collector who would appreciate it's beauty - Yvonne rodler, Sun, 27 May 2012 2:31PM
I have one of Laffi's bird ins which I bought when I lived in Lima in the sixties. I had no idea she was so well known until I read your website. Thanks - Donna Moore | donnajmoorebooks.com, Sat, 1 Oct 2011 10:57AM
What a great collection, I have several pieces and just recently have identified them and while researching came across your page, what a great surprise and educational. Thank you, Maureen - Maureen Leaman, Mon, 23 May 2011 9:56PM
Very nice collection, June! A pleasure to look at! - Carole Deitrich, Sun, 11 Oct 2009 1:59PM
Beautiful pieces, June! Thanks for sharing them. Best, Jackie - Jackie Zanca, Sun, 11 Oct 2009 6:39AM
