1970s Vega Maddux Butterfly Necklace

Vega Maddux butterfly necklace of carnelian and onyx with red, orange, yellow, green and black enamel on gilt silver tone, 22-1/2" (57.2 cm) long with a 5" (12.7 cm) pendant. The enamel work is really spectacular.

Vega Maddux was a California jewellery maker from the late 1960s to 1997 when she passed away. Those who knew her say she had a huge heart and was hospitable and friendly. It is thought that she worked for the Sasha Brastoff studios, possibly in the 1960s, and she also did a cameo appearance in the movie, "Who's killing the Great Chef's of Europe" in the late 1970s. She worked in the mid-1960s with Jimmy Durante and Eddie Jackson as a comedian.

A friend remembers seeing her at the shows with her wonderful jewellery and another customer says that she sold out almost immediately as each show opened, so popular was her jewellery. Rumour has it that she had a lovely operatic voice and a comedic flair, a lady of many interests. According to her son, Maddux was her maiden name. Her work is colorful, whimsical, detailed and well-made, and her pieces are not easy to find.