How do you grade vintage condition?

We use a standard condition scale: Fair, Good, Very Good, and Mint. Most pieces fall in the Very Good range, showing only minor wear from age and careful use. Each product description includes detailed notes.

What are your shipping and return policies?

Orders ship within five business days. International buyers are responsible for duties and taxes. Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery—please notify us within 10 days of receipt. Buyer pays return shipping, and we do not charge a restocking fee. Full details appear on our Shipping & Returns page.

Who was David Andersen?

David Andersen (1843–1901) founded his jewelry firm in Oslo, Norway in 1876 and soon became known for high-quality silver and enamel work rooted in Nordic craftsmanship. After his death, his son Arthur Andersen expanded the business and popularized the company’s renowned guilloché enamel pieces. By the 1950s, David Andersen jewelry embraced Scandinavian modernism with organic forms, nature-inspired motifs, and brilliant enamel colors. These mid-century designs remain highly collectible for their refined style and exceptional craftsmanship.

What is guilloché enamel?

Guilloché enamel is created by carving precise, repeating patterns into a metal surface, then applying translucent enamel over it. When fired, the enamel hardens and the shimmering pattern beneath becomes visible, giving the jewelry rich dimension and luminous depth. This technique requires exceptional skill and is prized for its beauty and craftsmanship.

What is gold gilt (vermeil)?

Gold gilt, also called vermeil, is created by applying a thick layer of gold over sterling silver. This technique offers the luxury look of solid gold while retaining the strength and value of silver beneath. Vermeil jewelry is known for its warm glow, durability, and higher-quality finish compared to standard gold plating.

How can I shop more vintage items like this?

You can browse more items from this same category directly on our website. Every piece is authentic and one-of-a-kind.

How can I hear about new arrivals and special offers?

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David Andersen Norway Brooch | Nora Gulbrandsen Design

This important David Anderson Norway brooch is directly inspired by ancient Norwegian rock art — a rare narrative element in modernist jewelry.

Anderson Enamel Brooch Details

This David Andersen Norway sterling silver enamel brooch was designed by Nora Gulbrandsen and modeled after prehistoric rock carvings found in Norway, dating to approximately 1000–500 BC. The stylized human figure, linear landscape, and symbolic sun motif reflect ancient Nordic visual language, reinterpreted through the lens of Scandinavian Modernism.

Executed in sterling silver with silver gilt accents and enamel, the brooch combines a softly textured ground with warm ochre and amber tones. Gulbrandsen’s design is both graphic and contemplative, echoing archaeological sources while maintaining the restraint and balance that define mid-century Norwegian design.

The reverse is clearly stamped D-A NORWAY STERLING 925S, along with the inscription “Rock-Carving from Norway 1000–500 B.C.”, confirming both authorship and inspiration. Elegant in scale and rich in meaning, this piece appeals to collectors drawn to modernist design with deep cultural roots.

Nora Gulbrandsen design by David Andersen, Norway.
Mid-20th century.
Sterling silver, silver gilt, and enamel.
Design Inspiration: Prehistoric Norwegian rock carvings (1000–500 BC).
Approximately 2.5″ x 1.25″.
Markings: D-A NORWAY STERLING 925S; Rock-Carving from Norway 1000–500 B.C.
Very good vintage condition with light age-appropriate wear to the reverse. Enamel remains intact with a gentle surface texture consistent with the design.
Here’s a link to some of the rock carvings that inspired this design.

Why We Love It

Nora Gulbrandsen’s work bridges archaeology and modern design with quiet authority. Subtle silver gilt accents add warmth without overpowering the composition.

VINTAGE CONDITION

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ABOUT DAVID ANDERSEN JEWELRY

About David Andersen

The Beginning

David Andersen (1843–1901) launched his namesake jewelry company in Oslo, Norway (then Christiania) in 1876. As a master goldsmith and entrepreneur, he quickly earned a reputation for crafting high-quality silver and enamel jewelry known for its Nordic elegance.

The Son Takes Over

After David’s death in 1901, his son Arthur Andersen took the helm. Arthur expanded the company’s international reach and modernized production, turning David Andersen into one of Norway’s most prominent jewelry houses. Throughout the 20th century, the firm became especially famous for its intricate guilloché enamel work.

Mid-Century Prominence

By the 1950s, the company embraced the clean lines and organic shapes of Scandinavian modernism. This blue enamel set reflects that era’s spirit—bold, refined, and endlessly collectible.

Nature motifs, such as leaves and petals, were especially beloved during this era, symbolizing freshness and simplicity. This set, with its sculptural lines and brilliant blue, is a classic example of the postwar shift toward organic forms and refined craftsmanship.

Andersen collaborated with some of Scandinavia’s most influential designers, allowing individual artistic voices to shape the firm’s celebrated enamel and silver jewelry. Notable collaborators include Torbjørn Lie-Jørgensen, known for the modernist Four Seasons series; Nora Gulbrandsen, a pioneer of Scandinavian modern design; Harry Sørby, whose richly colored enamels defined the postwar era; and Willy Winnaess, an early figure in Andersen’s transition toward modern decorative arts. Together, these designers helped establish David Andersen as a cornerstone of Norwegian modernism.

HOW TO CARE FOR VINTAGE JEWELRY

How to Care for Vintage Jewelry

Always handle vintage jewelry gently and store it carefully between wearings. Keep each piece in a soft pouch or lined box to prevent scratches, tangling, or metal abrasion. Avoid contact with water, perfume, hairspray, and household cleaners, which can dull finishes or weaken settings. To clean, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away oils and dust. For metals and stones, use a mild, non-abrasive jewelry cleaner suited to the materials. Never submerge rhinestone or glued pieces in water or use ultrasonic cleaners, as moisture can damage the foil backing or loosen stones. With proper care, your vintage jewelry will retain its beauty and character for years to come.

Buy our favorite jewelry cleaner here.

SHIPPING & RETURNS

We ship items within five business days. Occasionally, there might be shipping delays. If this occurs, we will promptly notify you.

Clothing and accessories ship via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, or FedEx, selecting the best option based on price and insurance. Jewelry ships either First Class or Priority. For overseas orders, we use International First Class. Please refer to our Shipping Information for detailed rates.

International buyers are responsible for all customs duties. PLEASE NOTE: Starting July 1, 2021, EU members will incur VAT taxes based on the specific country’s tax rates during importation.

We know you may be wary about buying vintage items. If so, we do offer returns. If you receive vintage pieces and are dissatisfied or if the item doesn’t fit, please inform Madge of your return request within 10 days of receiving the merchandise. You must return the items within 30 days after notifying us.

You can find our complete Return Policy here. If you have further questions after reading, please call or text (404) 850-1757.