Materials and Features:

• Artisan Repoussé Shell Architecture: A masterclass in mid-century three-dimensional metal manipulation. This features fifteen individual, heavily contoured copper panels sculpted into an alternating sequence of deep, high-relief ridges and shadowed valleys that perfectly mimic natural marine ergonomics.

• Signature Diamond-Engraved Clasp: Outfitted with Renoir's proprietary custom-stamped fold-over clasp housing, showcasing an engraved geometric diamond motif framed by vertical border parallel line work. This decorative clasp functions as an unalterable factory signature, eliminating the need for a distracting flat metal stamp.

• Multi-Directional Brushed Contrast: The outer surfaces showcase a striking mix of design finishes, blending tight, fine-line brushed wire-work along the raised shell ridges with a deep, chemically induced dark shadow patina resting in the valleys to create immense visual contrast and depth.

• Heavy-Gauge 15-Panel Link Articulation: Boasting a highly substantial 35.1g structural mass, the fifteen scallop panels are joined together using premium, rigid copper connection connector bars rather than cheap solder dots, allowing the heavy chain to curve flawlessly around a 14" collarbone track.

Type: Fold-over clasp mechanism

Age/Origin: Early 1950s (Mid-Century Copper Movement / USA)

Marks: Unmarked (Clasp features the signature Renoir custom-engraved geometric diamond motif)

Other: This spectacular piece is a fully authenticated, un-stamped production run of the highly sought-after "Scallop Shell" (historically cataloged also as the "Ocean Shell") collection by the legendary Renoir of California. While the vast majority of Renoir inventory featured a stamped signature script, specific premium series utilizing full double-sided wire brushing and high-relief dimensional curves left the foundry intentionally unsigned. Stamping a heavy metal hallmark die onto the reverse of these deeply ridged shells would crush the design lines, ruin the uniform blackened hollow-back patina, and warp the structural tension of the copper sheet. Furthermore, because the custom-engineered fold-over clasp was already decorated with Renoir's signature engraved diamond motif, the factory bypassed a secondary stamp entirely, distributing these 15-panel necklaces anchored directly to branded foil "Renoir of California" retail store presentation cards. The presence of the iconic engraved diamond clasp serves as an unalterable factory fingerprint, providing the undeniable engineering evidence that proves its true high-end pedigree.

Measurements:

• Weight: 35.1g (Highly substantial, premium art-metal mass)

• Dimensions: Necklace features exactly 15 panels and measures approx. 14” from end to end; individual scallop shell panels are approx. 1.125” x .75”

Condition: Very Good Condition. The solid copper structure exhibits a beautiful, rich natural maturation with a flawlessly preserved, multi-toned dark patination tucked deeply within the brushed shell valleys. Minimal, age-appropriate wear is present on the high-polished highlights. The 15-panel linkage tracks with perfect, fluid flexibility, and the diamond-engraved fold-over clasp snaps tightly and securely with zero structural slack or hinge play.