Free Shipping to the United States & Canada

1940s Jewelry

About 1940s Jewelry

This collection of 1940s jewelry includes ear clips, necklaces, double-clip brooches, bracelets, and brooches in bold Retro Modern and delicate Victorian motifs. Because women’s clothing during the war years was austere and masculine, jewelry became very feminine. Stylized flowers and animals as well as buckles, bows, ribbons and fabric-like folds were popular. Bracelets were wide and often worn over gloves. Big and bold brooches were worn on the shoulder of day and evening attire. Double-clip brooches, still enormously popular, evolved from geometric pieces into asymmetrical, three-dimensional images. White base metals were replaced with sterling silver, often with yellow-, pink-, green-, and/or rose-gold plating.

Filters

Showing 25–48 of 72 results

Please add widgets to the WooCommerce Filters widget area in Appearance > Widgets

25-48 of 72 products

  • Coro vintage bracelet in sterling with diamante
    Sterling silver & diamante 1940s bracelet
    USD$295.00

    Diamanté & Sterling 1940s Bracelet by Coro

    , ,
    This Coro vintage bracelet is a well-crafted 1940s Retro Modern jewel designed by Adolph Katz for the company’s high-end line. This piece has large diamanté centers decorated with small diamanté set in curled, sterling silver plaques. This bracelet closes with a fold-over clasp; the safety chain is a replacement. This jewel is another wonderful example of period design and manufacture from one of the best! It and a pair of Art Deco earrings – an unexpected but splendid combination – were worn by a beautiful model on the runway at Toronto Fashion Week for Spring 2019! Scroll down to see these beautiful earrings as well as the same bracelet design in vermeil sterling with aquamarine-glass centers.
    USD$295.00
    USD$295.00
  • Vintage silver bracelet by Catamore in sterling
    USD$295.00

    Diamanté & Sterling Bracelet by Catamore

    , ,
    This vintage silver bracelet by Catamore has three vertical rows of channel-set diamanté. This well-articulated, well-crafted, sterling bracelet has engraved edges and settings. It closes with a concealed clasp and safety chain. A similar piece by this maker was advertised in the November 15, 1946 issue of Vogue. This bracelet dates from 1942 at the earliest, since the company did not open until that year. Please note that this bracelet was made for a slim wrist. Be sure to measure yours and note the bracelet's dimensions (6 7/8" length) before purchasing.
    USD$295.00
    USD$295.00
  • Eisenberg dress clip in leaf shape with diamante
    Close-up view of top
    USD$495.00

    Diamanté & Sterling Leaf Eisenberg Dress Clip

    , ,
    This Eisenberg dress clip from the late-1940s is substantial in weight and size. It has two layers: square-cut diamanté flowers with a pavé stem that sit atop a sterling silver leaf embellished with additional diamanté. The cut-outs on the leaf add a graceful effect. The hinged, double-prong fastener works well with weighty fabrics. You could wear this jewel on the shoulder or lapel of a dress, jacket or coat, and own any room you enter! What a knockout!
    USD$495.00
    USD$495.00
  • Eisenberg earrings with diamantés set in sterling
    Diamanté & Sterling Sunburst 1940s Earrings by Eisenberg
    USD$295.00

    Diamanté & Sterling Sunburst Eisenberg Earrings

    , ,
    These Eisenberg earrings have small round diamanté emanating from a larger stone, forming a sunburst design. The setting is sterling silver with screw-backs. These earrings are really alive with sparkle! They were advertised in the September 1, 1947 issue of Vogue. And they haven't lost their appeal – this pair sparkled on the runway at Toronto Fashion Week for Spring 2019. Scroll down to see a pearl and diamanté bracelet by the same maker, in a similar design.
    USD$295.00
    USD$295.00
  • Maple leaf brooch by McClelland Barclay
    1940s McClelland Barclay brooch
    USD$275.00

    Diamanté & Two-tone 1940s Maple Leaf Brooch by McClelland Barclay

    , ,
    This brooch by McClelland Barclay features a small silver-tone diamanté-encrusted maple leaf laid on top of a larger gold-tone one. The pin closes with a roll-over safety clasp. With two colors of metal, this graceful piece can be worn with anything. The bright areas on the bottom leaf are camera reflections. The two small areas of darkening are not noticeable when worn. According to Brunialti, Gioia Mori's biography of Tamara de Lempicka includes a picture of the well-known Art Deco portraitist wearing a brooch like this one. Need a better endorsement?
    USD$275.00
    USD$275.00
  • Reja brooch in rose-gold-plated-sterling with diamantes
    Close-up view of 1940s Reja brooch
    USD$295.00

    Diamanté & Rose Vermeil Floral Réja Brooch

    , ,
    This Réja brooch is a graceful 1940s creation in the Retro Modern style. It features rose-gold-plated sterling silver embellished with diamanté flowers and pavé leaves. The warm-toned metal setting makes this piece a perfect adornment for women who like to wear warm colors. This maker’s jewels are hard to find, and this one is lovely and timeless.
    USD$295.00
    USD$295.00
  • Dorsons sterling bracelet with diamanté
    Front of 1940s line bracelet
    USD$295.00

    Diamanté & Sterling Bracelet by Dorsons

    , ,
    This Dorsons sterling bracelet from the 1940s takes the line-bracelet design one step further. The square-cut diamantés channel-set in rhodium-plated sterling silver are enhanced with two squares of baguettes. This well-made jewel with excellent articulation has a box clasp. All-diamanté pieces are really hard to photograph, and this one is no exception. All stones are clear and bright, and the overall effect is more brilliant than my photos indicate. In fact, this lovely bracelet sparkled on the runway at a Toronto Fashion Week show! Scroll down to see coordinating pieces, including one by the same maker.
    USD$295.00
    USD$295.00
  • Vintage screw back earrings in diamanté by Eisenberg
    Diamante & sterling earrings by Eisenberg
    USD$295.00

    Diamanté & Sterling Earrings by Eisenberg

    , ,
    These vintage screw back earrings made in the late-1940s by Eisenberg look like flowers in a vase. They have faceted oval and round diamantés set in rhodium-plated sterling silver. These earrings face each other, so they will frame your face to perfection. This pair features all of the beauty and high-quality of this maker’s creations. In fact, these earrings were chosen to walk the runway at a recent fashion show. The model wore them with a bracelet made in Germany in the 1930s – scroll down to see it. Surprised at the combination? It rocked!
    USD$295.00
    USD$295.00
  • Flower dress clip in diamanté & sterling
    Close-up view of blossoms & ribbons
    USD$445.00

    Diamanté & Sterling Flower Dress Clip

    , ,
    This flower dress clip has hand-set, large diamanté blossoms complimented with pavé ribbons. Substantial, yet graceful, this sterling silver pin is from the 1940s. Although it is unsigned, I have seen a signed version of the same design with colored stones. In addition, "N" (stamped on the back) is the mark of one of the company's stone-setters. This clip has a hinged, double-prong fastener, which works well with weighty fabrics. This bold and sparkly jewel would really stand out on the lapel or shoulder of a jacket or coat. What a glorious statement!
    USD$445.00
    USD$445.00
  • Brooch back
    USD$295.00

    Diamanté & Sterling Twisted Bar Brooch by Dorsons

    , ,
    The design of this 1940s Dorsons sterling silver brooch with hand-set diamantés was called a ‘twisted bar pin’. It comes in its original box, marked with the Jubilee trademark used by the maker (aka D. Ornstein & Sons). This jewel is timeless, and it goes with everything! You can even wear it as a barrette in your hair! This brooch was advertised in the December 1, 1947 issue of Life magazine. Scroll down to see a selection of lovely coordinating bracelets. One is by the same maker.
    USD$295.00
    USD$295.00
  • Sold out
    Rhinestone dress clip by Marcel Boucher
    Close-up view
    USD$295.00

    Diamanté Baguette & Pavé Ribbon Dress Clip

    , ,
    This rhinestone dress clip from the late-1940s features sparkly baguettes and pavé set in rhodium-plated metal, creating a luscious statement piece. Even the underside of the furled upper corner is bejeweled. Marcel Boucher was one of the finest designers in this era, and this piece attests to his talent. Wear it to great effect on a weighty fabric, such as a coat or jacket. Or wear it as a bold pendant on a substantial chain. The third photo shows this clip on a sterling flexible choker from the same decade – scroll down to see it. Note that the stones do not have the yellow tinge suggested by the photos.
    USD$295.00
    USD$295.00
  • Diamanté brooch with scrolls & swirls
    Diamante 1940s brooch
    USD$245.00

    Diamanté Brooch or Pair of Dress Clips with Scrolls

    , ,
    This diamanté brooch, which can also be worn as separate dress clips, may be European in origin. The curvy design makes me think the piece is from the 1940s, which was the height of the popularity of the double-clip brooch. Although it is marked “SILVER”, I don’t think this brooch is sterling. Nevertheless, the workmanship is excellent, and the sparkle remains.
    USD$245.00
    USD$245.00
  • Diamante dress clips or brooch
    Diamante brooch in horizontal position
    USD$245.00

    Diamanté Dress Clips or Brooch

    , ,
    These diamanté dress clips have a mechanism that allows them to be worn together as a brooch. Set in rhodium-plated metal, each clip looks like a vase of flowers to me. The stones are foil backed. The lines are graceful, and the combination of round and navette stones with baguettes is lovely. This piece is unsigned but well-made.
    USD$245.00
    USD$245.00
  • Diamanté tennis bracelet w/fixed, decorative buckle
    Front of Mazer Bros. line bracelet
    USD$195.00

    Diamanté Tennis Bracelet with Buckle by Mazer Bros.

    , ,
    This diamanté tennis bracelet by Mazer Bros. is a variation of a 1920s line bracelet. This one features faceted, emerald-cut diamanté, each set in its own rhodium-plated link. The focal point is a raised, fixed buckle adorned with diamanté in a unique assortment of shapes and sizes. This late-1940s to early-1950s piece by Mazer Bros. closes with a jeweled fold-over clasp and safety chain. Well-made, timeless, and versatile!
    USD$195.00
    USD$195.00
  • Emerald & diamante 1940s McClelland Barclay brooch
    USD$295.00

    Emerald & Diamanté Circle Brooch by McClelland Barclay

    , ,
    This vintage emerald brooch, designed by McClelland Barclay, has two layers. On the bottom is a curved, rhodium-plated base with a pin and roll-over safety clasp. The top layer has faceted, emerald-cut emerald-glass stones, emerald-glass baguettes, and diamanté accents, all set in a spiraling rhodium-plated frame. As with all of this designer’s creations, this 1940s piece  is well-constructed with a hefty weight. I’ve shown this jewel positioned in different ways, so you can choose which you prefer. Note that the Barclay’s name rather than the maker’s is stamped on this jewel.
    USD$295.00
    USD$295.00
  • Gold plated brooch w/emerald & diamanté flower
    Close-up view of center flower
    USD$225.00

    Emerald, Diamanté & Gold Bow Brooch by Mazer Bros.

    , ,
    This gold-plated brooch from the 1940s has pavé-trimmed, ribbon loops tied in bows. On top sits a flower with petals of emerald-glass baguettes and a round diamanté center. A silver-tone metal cup holds the flower, which is attached to the base with a screw. The pin closes with a roll-over safety clasp. Mazer Bros.’ use of high-quality materials and techniques is evident in this piece. With its gold-tone metal and green stones, this brooch is perfect for a woman who likes to wear warm colors. Scroll down to see a version in cool colors: an all diamanté base topped with a sapphire flower.
    USD$225.00
    USD$225.00
  • Vintage lapel pin w/faux emeralds & diamantés in sterling
    Close-up view of emerald glass baguettes
    USD$295.00

    Emerald, Diamanté & Sterling Dress Clip

    , ,
    This vintage lapel pin is beautiful in design and construction, and wearable in many ways. It has faceted emerald-cut and round emerald-glass stones, in sharp contrast to the diamantés and rhodium-plated sterling silver setting. This color combination is rich and versatile. You can wear this jewel on the shoulder or lapel of a jacket, on the shoulder of a dress or sweater, or on a hat or a scarf. The hinged, double-prong fastener works best on weighty fabrics. Although this piece is marked, I cannot identify the maker. The design and use of sterling make me think it’s from the mid-1940s. But I don’t think these details matter – this clip is stunning!
    USD$295.00
    USD$295.00
  • Coro bouquet brooch w/emeralds & diamantés in vermeil sterling
    Brooch as positioned in 'Vogue' ad
    USD$225.00

    Emerald, Diamanté & Vermeil Coro Bouquet Brooch

    , ,
    This Coro bouquet brooch is another beautiful Retro Modern design by Adolf Katz for Coro’s high-end line. This jewel features a gold-plated-sterling silver wide furled ribbon. It has one edge trimmed in diamantés and emerald-glass baguettes at the center of the curl. A cut in the ribbon holds four baguette-lined stems with faceted, oval, foil-backed emerald-glass flowers with diamanté accents. This jewel has a complex construction, as illustrated by the rivets that bind the elements. The pin fastens with a roll-over safety clasp. This brooch was included in an ad in the August 1, 1944 issue of Vogue that featured Coro-Craft “Masterpieces of Fashion Jewelry”. The first image shows the brooch as it is positioned in the technical drawing for the design patent; the second shows it as positioned in the ad. You decide how to wear it!
    USD$225.00
    USD$225.00
  • Gold ribbon brooch w/jeweled flower
    Close-up view of emerald glass & diamante flower
    USD$225.00

    Emerald, Diamanté & Vermeil Ribbon Brooch

    , ,
    This gold ribbon brooch is a triple-loop horizontal bow adorned with a row of diamantés at each end. A flower cupped in the same gold-plated sterling sits on top. It has a diamanté center and petals of baguettes alternating with teardrop-shaped emerald-glass stones. This Retro Modern piece was designed by Adolph Katz for CoroCraft, Coro’s high-end line of costume jewelry. The pin closes with a roll-over safety clasp. Some spotting on gold-plating; any bright color variations in metal are only camera reflections.
    USD$225.00
    USD$225.00
  • Coro brooch from the 1940s, Stars in the Sky set in rose vermeil sterling
    Close-up of Coro bouquet brooch
    USD$395.00

    Gemstone & Rose Vermeil ‘Stars in the Sky’ Brooch by Coro

    , ,
    This 1940s Coro brooch is named Stars in the Sky. At 4 1/2" in length, this bouquet brooch designed by Adolph Katz is a triumph of the Retro Modern style and the largest piece in this collection. Nine rose-gold-plated sterling silver stems are held together with furls of ribbon and topped with faceted-glass flowers in shades of emerald, sapphire, ruby and citrine. Diamanté accents complete the jewel. This brooch was advertised in the September 1, 1943 issue of Vogue.
    USD$395.00
    USD$395.00
  • Calla lily pin with 3 gemstones by Coro
    Close-up view of amethyst, ruby & peridot glass stones
    USD$325.00

    Gemstone & Rose Vermeil Calla Lily Pin by Coro

    , ,
    This calla lily pin from the 1940s has a rose-gold-plated sterling silver ribbon tied in a three-looped bow. Three stems of calla lilies with a navette centers of amethyst, ruby, and peridot glass sit on top. Tiny pink tourmaline, sapphire, and diamanté navettes tie the stems together. The pin closes with a roll-over safety clasp. Although the drawing in the design patent shows this brooch with the flowers facing down, I prefer them facing up, reaching for the sky! The photos show both positions, so you can decide. This gorgeous Retro Modern design by Adolph Katz for Coro’s high-end line was also made with all citrine flowers – scroll down to see that version.
    USD$325.00
    USD$325.00
  • Adolph Katz brooch in vermeil w/faux gemstones
    Close-up view of jeweled flower center
    USD$325.00

    Gemstone & Vermeil Flower Adolph Katz Brooch

    , ,
    This Adolph Katz brooch is a substantial gold-plated sterling silver flower adorned with aquamarine- and ruby-glass stones and a diamanté center. The petals have decorative piercings and are tilted and slightly curled, giving them lots of life. Stylized and graceful, this piece is a fine example of the Retro Modern style so popular in the 1940s. This three-dimensional jewel is a larger version of two brooch/pendants in this design – scroll down to see them. Note that any bright color variations in metal are only camera reflections.
    USD$325.00
    USD$325.00
  • Vintage brooch pendant in vermeil sterling w/jewels
    Pendant on black cord
    USD$295.00

    Gemstone & Vermeil Flower Brooch/Pendant

    , ,
    This vintage brooch pendant is a substantial 1940s ‘2-for-1’ jewel. The gold-plated sterling silver flower is embellished with aquamarine- and ruby-glass stones and diamanté accents. The petals of the flower have decorative piercing and are tilted and slightly curled, giving it lots of life. Designed by the remarkable Adolph Katz, this three-dimensional piece is a fine example of the Retro Modern style. One photo shows the pendant on a black cord, but you may prefer a gold chain or a velvet ribbon. A 17-inch, 2mm black rubber cord with a stainless steel twist lock (just like the one in the photo) is included with this purchase. Scroll down to see similar brooches, each with a diamanté center (one has the pendant loop), by the same maker. Note that any bright color variations in metal are only camera reflections.
    USD$295.00
    USD$295.00
  • Vintage flower brooch by Coro with diamanté, aqua and ruby set in gold-plated sterling
    Brooch worn as pendant
    USD$295.00

    Gemstone & Vermeil Flower Brooch/Pendant by Coro

    , ,
    This substantial vintage flower brooch made from gold-plated sterling silver is adorned with aquamarine- and ruby-glass stones and a diamanté center – a fine example of the Retro Modern style. The petals of the flower are decorated with piercings and are tilted and slightly curled, giving them lots of life. Designed by the remarkable Adolph Katz, this piece can be worn as a brooch or pendant. One photo shows the pendant on a black cord, but you may prefer a gold chain or velvet ribbon. A 17-inch, 2mm black rubber cord with a stainless steel twist lock (just like the one in the photo) is included with this purchase. Scroll down to see a larger version of this brooch as well as another brooch/pendant in the same design with different colored stones. Note that any bright color variations in metal are only camera reflections.
    USD$295.00
    USD$295.00