Total size 6.5 in. = Length 5 in. + gap 1.5 in

This is a Mary-Rita Padilla piece from the ‘80s. It’s a modernist piece that fits well in any modern wardrobe. That’s because modernist jewelry hasn’t gone out of favor since the ‘80s revival. Modernist clothing hasn’t either. If you have sleek blouses, culottes, and plain tunics in your wardrobe, you’re a victim of the modernist clothing movement. But are we really victims if we willingly participate? I mean every modern clothier sells this stuff and we eat it up. I know I do. And there’s a never ending stream of retailers that launch new lines that are essentially some spinoff of their last modernist offerings. To be honest, it’s not going anywhere. This must’ve been the way my mother felt when I wore jeans all the time. It’s quite clear that jeans aren’t going anywhere, so it’s safe to assume that 40+ years of a design trend must mean it’s a staple.

Okay, so where does Mary-Rita Padilla fit in? Well, during the ‘80s, it wasn’t just Tiffany and Bvlgari and Hermes that committed to modernist jewelry design. Navajo artisans also dipped their toes into the resurgence. You’ll see this in Tahe pieces, Wilbur Tracy pieces, and Mary-Rita Padilla is no exception. I thoroughly wish artists still made these pieces, but alas the artisanal market has moved on. I’m not sure why, as it’s still the most popular style of silver jewelry. Just check out Tiffany’s new lineup. It’s still immensely popular. But beyond that point, there’s something to be said about pieces from the era. There’s nothing wrong with a 2000s modernist piece, but a piece from the ‘80s is a bit more special as you simply can’t get the era back. Because of this, I’ve left some of the patination on the piece. Why? Well, you can always purchase a brand new modernist cuff. But leaving the marks of its age intact is a way to communicate that this piece is the real deal.

So, there you have it. You have some context around the piece, you know what you can wear with it, and now you know why it’s awesome. I think I’ve just convinced myself that I should purchase it. “Why am I not keeping this?” I remember! It’s the thrill of offering something special to you. I like that more than I like being in possession of my 19th modernist cuff. I love you too!