Gerda Lynggaard and Nikolai Monies were a Danish husband and wife team known for creating spectacular, avant garde jewelry, usually out of natural resources.  They are especially known for having fashioned creations out of natural materials such as wood, bone, horn, and amber and man-made materials such as resins.  

Together they founded the Monies Company in the 1970's.  Since that time, the two designers and their company have created jewelry and designs for such fashion powerhouses as Chanel, Donna Karen and Christian Lacroix.  They have also opened boutiques under their own name in France, Italy, Denmark and Turkey. 

These Earrings:

Although these earrings are not currently marked or signed, I strongly believe that they are a rare and iconic example of Gerda Lynggaard Monies' (GL) early work.  I believe this to be true for at least four reasons.  First, because the design of the earrings is one that has long been associated with GL.  Indeed, at the time of this posting there was another pair of almost identically shaped earrings listed on eBay attributed to Gerda Lynggaard.  The only difference between the two pairs of earrings is the materials used in realizing their design.  The other pair are made of all resin; this pair is, in principal part, natural horn.  I believe the secondary material is resin.  Second, because these materials - i.e., what is probably water buffalo horn and amber-colored resin - are materials traditionally associated with GL.  Third, because the clips on the earrings appear to be GL's signature clips.  And, fourth, because the earrings were identified as GL earrings when I first purchased them.  

The vertical element on the earrings is made out of horn and has a parabolic shape.  It is probably water buffalo horn.  The horizontal elliptical element is probably resin and is on a plane perpendicular to the horn parabola.  The two planes intersect.  The horizontal plane is translucent.  The vertical horn element more opaque.  The horn has a lovely reflective sheen, but has not been over-polished.  The end result is a sophisticated look that is actually very understated, in my opinion.  It is understated notwithstanding the fact that the underlying design is modernist or post-modern. 

The earrings are comfortable and a delight to wear because they are very light in weight.

Approximate measurements.

Length: 1 3/8th inches

Width:   3/4 inch

Depth:   1/2 inch

Manner in which Earrings Attach:

They have clip backs with rubber cushions.  As I show in the photographs, the rubber cushions are significantly abraded.  This does not affect the look, comfort or functionality of the earrings, but should be noted.  Indeed, the only consequence of the rubber cushions having been worn down may be that the earrings now bear no indication of their creator's name.  I think it is possible that GL's initials or the Monies name may once have been imprinted on or in the rubber cushions and now be unreadable.  I do not know that for sure, of course, but either the earrings were never signed or the name was on the clipbacks and has been worn away over time.

The rubber cushions in the clip backs are the only part of the earrings that show any significant wear.  There are only minor signs of use and wear other than that.  Obviously, the rubber cushions on the clips cannot be seen when the earrings are worn.  

NOTE:  If you are someone who needs to have the artist's name or initials on your jewelry, you should not buy these.  As is often true of old or early earrings, the artist's name does NOT appear on them. 

For other beautiful earrings crafted out of natural materials, you might look at the work of Patricia Von Musulin.  I believe her work and Gerda Lynggaard's work are often compared.