Buying Guide for Vintage Theodor Fahrner Jewelry

Theodor Fahrner costume jewelry was among the most popular in the first half of the 20^th century. Much of his success was due to his determination to raise the quality of machine-made (or partially machine-made) jewelry to be objets d'art. If you are looking to add a piece of history to your jewelry collection, you have come to the right place. Learning about vintage Theodor Fahrner jewelry is sure to give you some inspiration for your next purchase!

Theodor was known for Art Nouveau and Jugendstil (a German style influenced by English Art Nouveau, Japanese prints and Viennese abstracts) designs. Even though his pieces often contained semi-precious stones, he believed that the true worth of any piece lay in its artistic merits. He insisted on mass producing affordable yet exquisite jewelry that people of various economic statuses could enjoy.

In 1919, Theodor died and the firm was purchased by Gustav Braendle. The firm’s name became Gustav Braendle - Theodor Fahrner Nachfolger (German for “successor”).

From the 1920s to World War II, the Art Deco designs reigned. They represented the Jazz Age as they became more geometric. The combination of black enamel, green agate, coral and onyx used by Theodor became signature colors for the Art Deco Era.

In the 1930s, filigree jewelry was introduced, but first German politics, then the war adversely affected production. In the 1940s, the factory was destroyed by a bomb.  After the war, production resumed with a large variety of designs, but the company never regained its pre-war prominence.

In 1952, Gustav Braendle died and his son Herbert took charge of the company with a greatly reduced workforce.

In the 1960s and 1970s, while the company continued producing their traditional styles, many designs were modernized and the jewelry made with stones, both precious and semi. Gold joined silver as the “go-to” metal and both were used to re-create Roman and Egyptian motifs.

In 1979, Herbert died, and Gustav Braendle - Theodor Fahrner Nachfolger was liquidated and most of its records destroyed. However, the jewelry remains in demand today and is sold at high prices.  

Theodor Fahrner Jewelry Designers

Theodor believed that “all art is one” and hired artists from all disciplines, including:

• Max J. Gradl, German, active in the Art Nouveau Era and designer of typefaces.
• Joseph Maria Obrich, Austrian, architect, designer of furnishings and china, and graphic artist.
• Patriz Huber, German, goldsmith, metalworker, cabinet maker and interior designer.
• Franz Boeres, German, painter and sculptor of monumental sculptures and tombs.
• Paul Burck, French, painter.
• Julius Muller-Salem, German, painter.
• H.C. van de Velde, Belgian, painter, architect and interior designer.

Jewelry Marks

1901:

•  the “TF” mark was introduced.

1901-1902:

•  “TF 935 PH” on pieces designed by Patriz Huber.

After 1932:

• “TF (in circle) 925 Original Fahrner”

1950-1960s:

• “Germany Sterling TF 935“
• “TF 950”
• “Theodor Fahrner Germany 935”
•  “TF (in circle) Sterling Germany”
• “TF Germany”

Dates Unknown:

•  “ORIGINAL FAHRNER”
• “ORIGINAL FAHRNER” above a circle with “TF 925”
• “TF Germany”  
• “TF 935”
• “Fahrner, TF, 925”
• “Designer's name, TF (in circle), silver content”

Note:  

• 925 = 92.5% silver
• 935 = 93.5% silver
• 950 = 95% silver

Materials Used

• Silver
• Silver gilt
• Low-carat gold
• Vermeil
• Marcasite
• Amazonite
• Green Tourmaline
• Emerald Cabochon
• Emerald
• Ruby
• Amethyst
• Lapis lazuli
• Aquamarine
• Chrysoprase
• Turquoise Cabochon
• Topaz
• Moonstone
• Onyx
• Citrine
• Pearl
• Coral
• Rock crystal
• Smokey quartz
• Green agate
• Ivory
• Enamel
• Shell
• Glass

Noteworthy Collectibles of Vintage Theodor Fahrner Jewelry

Art Deco Aquamarine Sterling Filigree Ring

Theodor Fahrner filigree jewelry was introduced in the 1930s. This ring is a superb example of the filigree style as well as Art Deco design. Its intricate and elegant design is fashioned from gilded sterling silver. The three faceted aquamarine stones (likely synthetic) are a stunning color.

Green Onyx Sterling Silver Brooch Pin

This brooch from the late 19^th century is a rare example of Theodor Fahrner's Art Nouveau designs.  The green onyx stone is set into sterling silver with embossed lilies and leaves.

Bracelet in Gilt Silver

An Art Deco filigree bracelet from the 1930s made from gilt silver with flower-like links centered with golden citrine-colored stones, likely synthetic.

Sterling Silver Gold Washed Amethyst Rose Pendant

This pendant from the 1920s is sterling silver with a gold wash finish. Detailed roses make a lovely oval frame for the marquise-cut amethyst. Amethyst is slight less than 1 inch by ½ inch (11mm by 23mm).

Art Nouveau Silver Brooch

A fabulous example of Theodor Fahrner’s silversmithing from the early 20^th century: the geometric design with a center chrysoprase gemstone set among marcasite, mother-of-pearl and black enamel.

Tips for Buying Vintage Theodor Fahrner Jewelry

• Some vendors use terms such as “Art Deco,” “vintage,” and “antique” loosely to attract visitors to their websites. Do not patronize a site if you cannot depend on their advertising.
• Also, do not deal with a vendor who hesitates to answer your questions or does not answer at all or who does not have positive reviews.
• If you buy jewelry on sites such as Etsy or eBay leave honest feedback.
• To avoid getting caught up in a bidding war, determine your top price right at the beginning.
• If you intend to wear the jewelry, know your measurements: finger size, wrist size, and what length necklace you prefer.
• Check shipping costs before you commit and also the return policy.

Conclusion

For devoted collectors, there is a stunning book, Theodor Fahrner Jewelry Between Avant-Garde and Tradition: Art Nouveau, Art Deco, the 1950s that is a crash course in his designs. It is an invaluable resource for recognizing and assessing Theodor Fahrner jewelry.

See the Theodor Fahrner pages on Etsy for a variety of his jewelry from different eras and in different styles.

Click here to see a fine selection of pieces for sale on eBay.