Description

Vintage Laurel Burch *Signed LB* "Dancing Spirit" Brooch Pin Bright Multi Colored Enamels Gold Tone A Hard To Find Design (especially in this condition!) with the Signature a simple "LB" instead of the more common "©Laurel Burch". I believe this was made in 1993 or the early part of the 90's. I only saw a handful of pins in a wide search of Laurel Burch pieces that were signed "LB" and 2 or 3 of those were dated 1993. *I'll say that "Dancing Spirit" is in Very Good Condition because of a tiny mark over his heart. *In my opinion, the quality & eye appeal is Really Excellent!* The Extremely Shiny Metal on the Figures Torso & Arms was Difficult to Photograph because it was picking up lots of shadow reflections which can look like damage, but are Not! PICTURES are my best way to show you color, design, size & condition of items you're considering. While looking, please remember the pictures are magnified & show flaws not as noticeable to the eye. Please study all the pics BEFORE you commit to buy. Thank you! COLOR DIFFERENCES: Color perception is very subjective. I strive to capture the color of these items correctly in my images. If you're still not sure the item is what you're looking for, PLEASE contact me! I'm always happy to answer questions or to send additional pictures. *CONDITION of vintage/pre-owned items is also highly subjective. You must be the one to decide if a piece is of a quality & condition to meet your personal requirements after studying my listing. I'm as honest as I can be, but my statements are my opinions and observations. None of the jewelry I sell has been authenticated, certified or vetted (unless specifically stated). RETURNS ARE NOT ACCEPTED for Color Perception, Condition, or a Change of Mind! UNLESS I've made an obvious mistake in my listing, Or what's shown in my listing is not what you receive, I don't issue refunds & I will ask for pictures if you're making a claim. COMBINED SHIPPING: I LOVE to combine shipping but PLEASE WAIT TO PAY! Contact me to let me know you're still shopping, then advise me when you're done & ready for an invoice with the correct total due. I receive penalties if I don't provide tracking information for each item sold (paid for). I Ship via USPS Ground Advantage™ unless Customer specifies otherwise. I ship in 1-3 days (Usually 1 day!) after payment clears, except Sundays & Holidays. Delivery is up to the USPS and delivery dates are not guaranteed. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR INTEREST! Laurel Burch (December 31, 1945 – September 13, 2007) American Artist, Designer and Businesswoman Laurel grew up in the San Fernando Valley of California and came to the Bay Area wanting to be a singer. At age 16 she was working as a nanny & domestic. She had an on-off relationship with her first husband, jazz musician Robert Burch, with whom she had two children by age 25. When they split for good, it fell upon her to support their kids alone. Although Laurel had never taken an art class, this self-taught artist was painting as well as designing and crafting jewelry from metal, beads and other found media. She began selling her work at street fairs and on the streets of the Haight Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco in the 1960's! Local San Francisco restaurants, businesses, and private collectors began commissioning and selling her artwork and that was the beginning of something huge! Laurel Burch's life story was a true rags-to-riches tale. She started her business as a hippie on welfare and became an internationally known artist and brand. Her work was worn by celebrities like Cher and sold in department stores around the world, where fans would wait in line to get her autograph. LAUREL IN HER OWN WORDS: “My first company Laurel Inc. was an early partnership between Shashi Singapuri, a San Francisco businessman, and myself. Sashi put up some money and manufacturing began. Our Laurel Inc. pieces represent my transformation from street artist to manufacturer. Shashi took samples of my work to China." "The Chinese were intrigued enough to give me the honor of being the first American designer (and woman!) to be invited to work in China. At that time, 1971, The People’s Republic of China.” “This brightly colorful jewelry was the beginning of what would become my signature cloisonné patterns, which I would go on to reproduce in many other media including cast metals, wood, paper, porcelain and fabric. I pointedly ignored fashion trends, because my goal was a look that appealed to shy people as well as bold, eccentric ones. “I am perhaps best known for my jewelry collections. Many collectors own more than 100 pairs of earrings and have told me wonderful stories about how and when they acquired their favorite pieces. Over the years I have created hundreds of designs, but my felines are by far the most popular. Some of my most classic cats make appearances in many colors, various metals and materials, including silver, gold, carved and painted wood and – my favorites – hand-painted, brilliantly hued cloisonné enamel.” Laurel suffered from Osteopetrosis, a painful bone disease her entire life. She often said she felt her mission in life "was to inspire joy by her work". Her spirit was never broken, although she had been in chronic pain all her life, and endured over 100 bone fractures, as well as countless hospitalizations. In her later life she lived in Novato, CA where she continued painting and creating despite it all. She died on September 13, 2007, aged only 61, at her home in Novato, California. IMAGINE A WORLD OF COLOR The art of Laurel Burch is bold, bright, and joyful – perfect for today. Inspired by her desire to give and her passion to create beauty, Laurel Burch created art embraced by collectors and kindred spirits around the world. Laurel lived with extraordinary joy, undiminished gratitude, and a contagious positive spirit. Transcending cultures and crossing boundaries of age and race, Laurel's exuberant designs reflect a love for life! “I refuse to have anything in my life that I cannot turn into something magical & beautiful.”- LB The boundless imagination of this extraordinary artist places her among the most treasured creative spirits of our time. Even though Laurel’s jewelry was made a few decades ago, it still looks fresh and fashion-forward, ready to delight new generations of collectors. Enjoy!