This necklace demonstrates the masterful “painted enamel” technique modernist jeweler Earl Pardon developed in his studio. As part of the first generation of the American Studio Craft movement, Pardon’s work blends influences of both craft and industry from the mid to late 20th century. Trained under the GI Bill after the Second World War, Pardon learned the arts of metalsmithing and enameling. Combining these skills with his background as an artist and sculptor, Pardon created inventive and meticulous works of “portable art” that utilize vivid color, unique forms, and masterful metalworking.