Swoboda signed genuine coral carved Buddha swinging from a crescent moon framed in a twisted double rope design encrusted with 15 lustrous freshwater pearls capped off with a cultured sea pearl set in gold plated metal.
This piece is extremely, extremely rare. I have been unable to find it in extensive searches.
Measurements:
Brooch: 1 3/4" x 1 3/4"
Buddha: 3/4" long, 1/2" wide
The capped pearl gives this beauty a profile.
In pristine condition. No narc damage, scratches or flea bites to any of the genuine freshwater pearls or cultured sea pearl. No scratches, dings or damage of any kind to the genuine coral carved Buddha. No flaking or discoloration to the gold plated metal. Pin straight. Closure tight and secure.
Designer Swoboda
1956–1985
Re–established as N.W. Jewels by Nathan Waxman June 2000 to Present
Edward Swoboda, a talented jewelry designer, founded Swoboda Inc. in Los Angeles, CA in 1956 after having had an extensive knowledge of gemstones that were used in his manufacturing enterprise. The jewelry is characterized by magnificent thick gold plated metalwork, set with semi-precious stones and cultured pearls. Mr. Swoboda traveled extensively to South America where his gemstones were imported from. It was said that his polished gemstones and cultured pearls were unequaled in costume jewelry.
The jewelry produced was designed with the Oriental and Victorian influences. In 1957, Nathan (Nate) Waxman joined the company as a trainee and quickly learned the art of casting, plating, and molding allowing him to create many of the designs. In the early 1960s, the Swoboda firm maintained showrooms in Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas and the jewelry was sold in leading department stores Dillards, Goldwaters, Marshall Fields, Saks Fifth Ave., Bloomingdales, Gumps, Ciros, Harrods of London and Neiman Marcus. Swoboda jewelry lines consisted of complete sets, necklaces, broaches (most popular) and earrings.
The jewelry was not marked but had a hang-tag "SWOBODA" until 1966 when "SWOBODA" OR "SWO.INC." appeared in the metal cast. Swoboda retired in 1979 and lives in Los Angeles. The jewelry is extremely rare, especially the more elaborate pieces that are highly prized by collectors who will pay nearly $800.00 per set and or above $400.00 for a necklace. Lower priced pieces consist of figural pins, some with carved jade or other semi-precious stones on gold plated metal.
Nathan Waxman ran the company until 1985 when the company ceased operations. In June 2000, Nate Waxman established his own company, N.W. Jewels on an internet website that offers a wide variety and collection of Swoboda Costume Jewelry from vintage collections to limited quantity re-issues.
Mr. Waxman was the partner of Edward Swoboda, who passed in 2013, at age 95. In addition, Mr. Waxman was also the Chief Designer and the architect behind the success of the Swoboda brand. When you purchase a jewelry piece from the collection of Nate Waxman, of Swoboda, you have made an investment in a product that’s timeless and can be enjoyed now, and passed on to future generations, without ever losing its beauty and value.
