A necklace purchased for just $15 at a Brooklyn flea market approximately two decades ago has been identified as an authentic artwork by renowned American sculptor Alexander Calder, selling for $267,750 at Christie's auction house in New York on June 13, 2023. The piece, initially recognized for its unique handmade quality, proved to be a valuable creation by an internationally celebrated artist.

The owner, a New York City documentary filmmaker, acquired the necklace from a flea market stall in Park Slope, Brooklyn, nearly 20 years prior to its identification. She was drawn to its distinctive design and materials, recognizing it as a unique, artisanal object, though unaware of its true provenance or value at the time. The necklace remained a personal possession for years before its significance came to light.

The pivotal discovery occurred when a friend, a curator specializing in modern art, examined the piece. The friend immediately recognized the characteristic clasp and the distinct spiral motifs as hallmarks of Alexander Calder's intricate jewelry work. Further research confirmed the necklace's authenticity and its connection to the artist. The piece, crafted from brass and steel wire, features interconnected, hand-hammered brass spirals and loops, a signature style for Calder's wearable art.

Alexander Calder (1898-1976) was an influential American sculptor celebrated for his innovative kinetic sculptures, known as mobiles, and his monumental stationary works, called stabiles. Beyond large-scale works, Calder also created a significant body of jewelry, often using brass, steel, and silver, characterized by its abstract forms and construction. His work is featured in prominent museum collections globally, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. The necklace was originally crafted in 1940 and was documented as a gift from Calder to a friend of his family.

Following its authentication, the necklace was consigned to Christie's for auction. It was included in their "Important Jewels" sale. The piece carried a pre-sale estimate of $150,000 to $200,000. On June 13, 2023, the necklace significantly surpassed its estimate, ultimately selling for $267,750, inclusive of buyer's premium. This sale highlights the enduring value of unique artistic creations and the potential for significant art discoveries in unexpected settings.