Andrea Kennington Abalone “Moon Bee” Brooch

Great artisans earn the right to be playful, and Andrea Kennington uses it. Her work rarely comes to market, and this one-of-a-kind brooch-pendant shows why collectors chase it: a whimsical composition in sterling silver and glowing abalone, built around a carved moon — and, if you look closely, a little honeybee, a vintage find marked “Japan” on the underwing, crowned by Kennington with a natural garnet cabochon. It’s the wit of it that lands: a serious silversmith folding a humble found object into a fine piece and making it belong. Even the sterling back is decorated, hand-finished by the artist. It measures a generous three inches and is signed Kennington, 925, on the reverse. This is jewelry with a sense of humor and impeccable craft in equal measure — the sort of piece that starts a conversation and keeps it going. Whimsy, made permanent in silver.