Vintage 70s Pendant Necklace Larry Vrba for Castlecliff Aztec Maltese Cross Pre-Columbian Inspired

Vintage 70s Pendant Necklace Larry Vrba for Castlecliff Aztec Maltese Cross Pre-Columbian Inspired


Handcrafted, chunky, maximalist necklace by Lawrence (Larry) Vrba who worked for Castlecliff in the early 70s. Chunky gold, chain link neck strap suspends a pendant shaped like a Maltese cross, but with "Aztec" detailing in the form of feather like petals around each one of the four ends. The ends, and the center are decorated with colorful nuggets of poured glass in ochre, turquoise green, deep blue, and coral red - made from melted down beads in New York City at CASTLECLIFF's midtown glass factory. All of this is set in an etched, gold tone frame.

Signed at back of pendant: Castlecliff
Condition: very good with no signs of wear / presents like new
Pendant 4 1/8" x 3 7/8"
Chain drop 8"


This stunning pendant is part of CASTLECLIFF's 1970's southwest series, a collection filled with Native American figural elements, enamel feather imagery and brilliantly colored poured glass stones. Designed by the prolific Lawrence (Larry) Vrba, this collection of rare and highly sought after and was designed and manufactured in NYC with large poured glass stones that were made from melted down beads at CASTLECLIFF's own midtown glass factory.
Large Maltese Pendant Silhouette Pendant is an Oversized 4" Across and Hangs from a Metal Bead Gold Plated Chain (Also Signed CASTLECLIFF) that is Adjustable to 16.5" Long
Pendant Hangs From a Sliding Bale - Can Easily be Removed and Hung from Another Chain
Poured Glass Stones in Shades of Emerald Green, Lapis Blue, Red, and Burnt Orange
Muted Enamel 'Feathers' Decorate Each End of this Cross Shape
Russian Gold Plating with Minimal Wear
Signed CASTLECLIFF at Back of Pendant and Back of Beaded Chain
*Original Sketch of this piece as seen in 1970's B. Altman Advertisement from The New York Times*