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. Full details appear on our Shipping & Returns page.

Francisco Rebajes, a poor immigrant from the Dominican Republic, was a self-taught artist who rose from selling jewelry made from tin cans on the street to owning a prestigious Fifth Avenue showroom. His early success came when the Whitney Museum of American Art purchased some of his first tin can sculptures. Rebajes opened a small shop in Greenwich Village that grew into a celebrated design studio employing skilled craftsmen to bring his imaginative creations to life. He drew inspiration from nature, primitive art, and abstract sculpture, and his copper jewelry is highly collectible today. By the 1970s, Rebajes turned his attention from jewelry to sculpture. Madge found a fascinating article online written by the daughter of a family friend that includes wonderful photos—especially one of his final retail showroom.

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Rebajes Copper Necklace | Own a Signature Piece

This 1950s Rebajes copper necklace features layered leaves with blackened edges—each one catching the light like autumn in motion.

Copper Necklace Details

Vintage 1950s Rebajes copper necklace.
A beautiful example of jewelry by Francisco Rebajes.
Choker-length necklace of layered leaves
Blackened copper edges.
Hook clasp.
Learn more about vintage copper jewelry in this blog post.

Why We Love It:

Francisco Rebajes turned copper into poetry.

VINTAGE CONDITION

SHOP MORE NECKLACES & PENDANTS

Shop more vintage necklaces & pendants

WHO WAS REJABAS

Who Was Rebajes

Francisco Rebajes, A poor immigrant from the Dominican Republic. This self-taught artist went from selling designs made from tin cans on the street to launching his own jewelry line in a fabulous showroom on 5th Avenue. Of course, it helped that the Whitney Museum in New York City purchased those first tin cans!

Rebajes opened a small storefront in Greenwich Village. His success led to increasingly larger shops until his final showplace, which employed a large staff of craftsmen to execute his designs. Rebajes drew inspiration from nature, primitive art, and abstract sculpture, and his pieces are highly collectible. By the 70,s he moved from jewelry to sculpture. Madge found a fascinating article online written by the daughter of a family friend with some great photos. Check out the photo of his final retail showroom.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR VINTAGE JEWELRY

Vintage Jewelry Care

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.

Purchase 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.