1970s Hannu Ikonen Reindeer Moss Bronze Pendant & Chain, Made In Finland-Thrift Shop Find, $1.50!!!

I decided to hit my favorite thrift shop before they close for the holiday, and found this hanging alongside the costume jewelry necklaces. It looked just too good to leave there. I didn't even see the "Made In Finland" stamp until I was home. It's on the back of the pendant, on the top stem which connects to the chain. I scrolled through various photos on Google until I found my necklace. I discovered that Hannu Ikonen is a very important modernist jewelry designer.

http://www.hopea20.com/pages/hannu-ikonen

"Finland
Hannu Ikonen’s refined yet striking designs have become truly iconic in the world of modernist jewelry.
Ikonen worked in both silver and bronze, producing for the Finnish firm of Valo-Koru throughout the 1970s. His famous “Renmoosblüte” or Reindeer moss pieces in many ways perfectly embody the new Finnish impulse in jewelry making in their sculptural quality and modern interpretation of a natural theme.
Reindeer moss, also known as Iceland Moss, is traditionally used in funerary wreaths however there is a certain joy in Ikonen’s interpretations. His designs are at once bold and delicate, and the patina that naturally develops on the pieces provides an exceptionally dramatic relief. Most of Ikonen’s designs are simply stamped “MADE IN FINLAND”. "

Here you can see more of his artistry (copy & paste - no hot link here):

http://www.ebay.com/cln/izeugma/Hannu-Ikonen/75186089012

I'm so pleased!

Thanks for looking, CW friends! ~Bonnie