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QuickviewDiamanté Dress Clips or Brooch
Double-Clip Brooches, 1940s Jewelry, Unsigned JewelryThese 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$225.00 -
QuickviewDiamanté Leaf 1940s Coro Duette
Double-Clip Brooches, 1940s Jewelry, Coro JewelryThis Coro Duette is a vintage jewelry piece composed of a pair of leaves with emerald-cut and round diamanté set in rhodium-plated metal. Designed by Adolph Katz, this piece can be worn as a brooch or as separate fur clips. This substantial double-clip brooch was advertised in the December 1, 1947 issue of Vogue and the April 1948 issue of Mayfair. The ad in the last photo shows an example of how to wear the clips. They work well as adornments to heavier fabrics, such as wool blazers and dresses. You can see the utility patent for the brooch mechanism here, beneath Coro's name.USD$195.00 -
QuickviewDiamanté, Aquamarine, Ruby & Vermeil Sterling Flower 1940s Bracelet by Coro
Vintage Bracelets, 1940s Jewelry, Coro JewelryThis 1940s gold-plated sterling silver bracelet has a double snake chain that fastens to a flower corsage with a fold-over clasp. The corsage is adorned with ruby and aquamarine glass stones along with a diamanté center. Two larger diamanté are at each end, and the snake chain attaches to the corsage with pavé links. Scroll down to see two brooch/pendants and a larger brooch in the same design by Adolph Katz.USD$250.00 -
QuickviewDiamanté, Aquamarine, Ruby & Vermeil Sterling Flower 1940s Brooch by Coro
Vintage Brooches & Pins, 1940s Jewelry, Coro JewelryThis substantial gold-plated sterling silver flower brooch adorned with aquamarine and ruby glass stones and a diamanté center is a fine example of the Retro Modern style. The petals of the flower have decorative cut-outs and are tilted and slightly curled, giving them lots of life. This lovely piece was designed by the remarkable Adolph Katz. This three-dimensional brooch is the larger version of two brooch/pendants and a bracelet in this design – scroll down to see them.USD$175.00 -
QuickviewDiamanté, Aquamarine, Ruby & Vermeil Sterling Flower 1940s Brooch/Pendant by Coro
Vintage Brooches & Pins, 1940s Jewelry, Coro JewelryThis 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 cut-outs 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. 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 the matching bracelet, a larger version of this brooch, and another brooch/pendant in the same design with a color variation.USD$195.00 -
QuickviewEmerald & Diamanté Circle 1940s Brooch by McClelland Barclay
Vintage Brooches & Pins, 1940s Jewelry, Rice-Weiner JewelryThis 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 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 marked on the brooch.USD$295.00 -
QuickviewEmerald & Diamanté Flower & Vermeil Sterling Bow 1940s Brooch by Coro
Vintage Brooches & Pins, 1940s Jewelry, Coro JewelryA triple-loop bow of gold-plated sterling silver adorned with a row of diamanté at each end of ribbon forms the foundation of this 1940s brooch. A flower cupped in the same metal 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.USD$150.00 -
QuickviewEmerald Bead & Pavé Leaves 1940s Dress Clip by Miriam Haskell
Vintage Dress & Fur Clips, 1940s Jewelry, Vintage Miriam Haskell JewelryThis well-known Frank Hess World War II design features a bunch of emerald glass beads atop and hanging from silver-tone metal leaves inset with diamanté. In typical Haskell style, the large beads have metal tips. The pierced plastic back is finished with a dress clip. This piece is unsigned, but its maker is well documented. At this stage of its life, this lovely dress clip needs to be handled with care, but it has retained its original beauty.USD$175.00 -
QuickviewEmerald Melon Bead 1940s Earrings by Miriam Haskell
Vintage Earrings, 1940s Jewelry, Vintage Miriam Haskell JewelryThese Miriam Haskell earrings feature an emerald-glass melon bead capped with a tiny emerald glass stone covered by four Russian-gold prongs. This centerpiece is encircled by smaller emerald-glass melon beads with twisted Russian-gold spacers. These components are wired together by hand and attached to a gold-tone metal filigree foundation. The short, flatback ear clips date this Frank Hess creation to the late 1940s. The color is divine, the quality is exceptional, and the design is timeless. These versatile earrings will take you anywhere in style!USD$195.00 -
QuickviewEmerald, Diamanté & Gold Bow 1940s Brooch by Mazer Bros.
Vintage Brooches & Pins, 1940s Jewelry, Mazer Bros. JewelryPavé-trimmed, gold-plated ribbon loops form the foundation of this late-1940s bow brooch by Mazer Bros. 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. This company’s 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 looks best in warm colors. Scroll down to see a version with more jewels that's right for someone who wears cool colors.USD$175.00 -
QuickviewEmerald, Diamanté & Rose Vermeil Sterling Flower 1940s Brooch & Earrings Set by Coro
Costume Jewelry Sets / Parures, 1940s Jewelry, Coro JewelryThese Coro screw back earrings and brooch in a matching flower motif are lovely. The tall (3 3/4″) brooch has two large flowers with curved petals surrounding round emerald-glass stones, each encircled with a row of diamanté. Two smaller, simpler flowers without petals complete the bouquet. The settings, stems, and ribbon that tie them together are rose-gold-washed sterling silver. The screw-back earrings are the same size and design as the large flowers. This Retro Modern set was made for Coro’s high-end line. Warm-toned, somewhat playful jewels!USD$195.00 -
QuickviewEmerald, Diamanté & Sterling 1940s Fur Clip
Vintage Dress & Fur Clips, 1940s Jewelry, Unknown (Maker's Mark is Unknown)This fur clip is beautiful in design and construction. Faceted emerald-cut and round emerald-glass stones, in sharp contrast to the diamanté and rhodium-plated sterling silver setting. This color combination is rich and versatile You can wear this piece on the shoulder or lapel of a jacket, on the shoulder of a dress or sweater, or on a hat or a scarf. Although this piece is marked, I cannot identify the maker. The design and use of sterling make me think it's from the 1940s. But I don't think these details matter – this clip is stunning!USD$195.00 -
QuickviewEmerald, Diamanté & Vermeil Sterling Bouquet 1940s Brooch by Coro
Vintage Brooches & Pins, 1940s Jewelry, Coro JewelryHere is another beautiful Retro Modern brooch designed by Adolf Katz for Coro's high-end line. This one features a gold-washed-sterling silver furled ribbon with one edge trimmed in diamanté 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 piece 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$185.00 -
QuickviewEmerald, Rose Vermeil Sterling & Pavé Scroll Link 1940s Bracelet by Coro
Vintage Bracelets, 1940s Jewelry, Coro JewelryFaceted, oval emerald glass stones set in rose-gold-plated sterling silver and accented with pavé scroll links form this 1940s bracelet. It was designed in the Retro Modern style by Adolph Katz for Coro's high-end line. This bracelet has a fold-over clasp with safety chain.USD$275.00 -
QuickviewGemstone & Rose Vermeil Sterling ‘Stars in the Sky’ 1940s Brooch by Coro
Vintage Brooches & Pins, 1940s Jewelry, Coro JewelryThis 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 piece. This brooch, priced at $15, was advertised in the September 1, 1943 issue of Vogue.USD$275.00 -
QuickviewGemstone & Rose Vermeil Sterling Calla Lily 1940s Brooch by Coro
Vintage Brooches & Pins, 1940s Jewelry, Coro JewelryThis 1940s brooch is a rose-gold-plated sterling silver ribbon tied in a three-looped bow. Three stems of calla lilies with 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$195.00 -
QuickviewGemstone & Silver Rope Double-Bow Brooch by Reinad
Vintage Brooches & Pins, 1940s Jewelry, Reinad JewelryThis vintage bow brooch by Reinad is colorful and sassy. It features faceted, oval-glass stones in every gemstone color: amethyst, emerald, ruby, sapphire, peridot, citrine, diamanté, and pink tourmaline. Each stone is set in its own silver-tone cup. The cups all sit inside the two rows of silver-tone rope that form each bow. Not for the faint-hearted, this statement piece goes with everything! Reinad had a short production period, and their pieces are hard to find.USD$395.00 -
QuickviewGemstone & Sterling Acrostic 1940s Earrings by DeRosa
Vintage Earrings, 1940s Jewelry, Ralph DeRosa JewelrySterling silver set with gemstone-colored glass stones in a crescent shape make these 1940s ear clips by DeRosa very versatile. The colored stones are graduated in size and enhanced with an inner ring of diamanté. Moreover, the faux diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald, sapphire and topaz form the word dearest, making these earrings acrostic (i.e., the initials of the stones form a word or name). This type of sentimental jewelry was very popular in the 19th century Victorian era, a style that inspired some 1940s jewelry designers. DeRosa pieces are always exceptionally well-made and hard to find.USD$245.00 -
QuickviewGemstone & Sterling Flower Bouquet Brooches by Otis
Vintage Brooches & Pins, 1940s Jewelry, Otis JewelryThese flower bouquet brooches from the 1940s have deep-colored-glass petals with diamanté centers and accents. The stems and settings are sterling silver. The brooch on the left features sapphire, ruby, amethyst, and emerald glass flowers; the one on the right is all emerald. Delicate and well-made by Otis, these brooches can be worn separately (e.g., on either side of a collar) or as a pair with great effect. These pieces were advertised in the 1949 catalog of George T. Brodnax Jewelry Co., a mail-order company located in Memphis, Tennessee.USD$195.00 -
QuickviewGemstone Fruit Salad Art Deco Bar Brooch by Trifari
Vintage Brooches & Pins, 1940s Jewelry, Trifari JewelryThis 1930s bar brooch features a line of teardrop-shaped ruby, emerald, and sapphire-glass stones topped with and surrounded by diamanté. The molded glass was used by costume jewelry makers to imitate the Indian-carved gemstones – known as fruit salads or tutti frutti – which were so popular in the Art Deco era. Trifari made their first fruit salad pieces in the late-1930s, typically using acorn-shaped stones. This piece has the popular trio of colors but in a different shape with an added gem: the company called cabochons with a diamanté center shoe-buttons. The design of this rhodium-plated setting is similar to pieces from the company's Ming series in the 1930s. The pin closes with a roll-over safety clasp. This brooch goes with just about everything! Scroll down to see an early Trifari fruit salad double-clip brooch (Clip-Mates) in the same colors.USD$250.00 -
QuickviewGemstone Ribbon Bow Brooch by Coro
Vintage Brooches & Pins, 1940s Jewelry, Coro JewelryThis ribbon bow brooch was made by Coro in the 1940s, for their high-end Coro Craft line. Created from rose-gold-plated sterling silver, this piece is adorned with a small bouquet of navette flowers of emerald, amethyst, and sapphire glass on each loop. This richly-colored Retro Modern classic has a roll-over safety clasp. Wear it at the throat of a blouse, at the bottom of a V-neckline, or on the collar of a jacket.USD$175.00 -
QuickviewGold & Diamanté ‘Merry Whirl’ 1940s Duette & ‘Gay Swirl’ Earrings by Coro
Costume Jewelry Sets / Parures, 1940s Jewelry, Coro JewelryThis double-clip brooch and earrings were sold to me as a set, but my research uncovered a different story. The diamanté-embellished gold-tone Coro Duette is named Merry Whirl, while the gold-tone and diamanté earrings are from their Gay Swirl design. Nevertheless, I wouldn't hesitate to wear these pieces together. The Duette, Coro's double-clip brooch, can be worn as a brooch (in the positions shown) or as separate fur clips. The earrings are screw-backs. Both pieces were advertised in the April 1948 issue of Life magazine, which is how I found out the design names. You can see the utility patent for the brooch mechanism here, shown below Coro's name.USD$165.00 -
QuickviewGold 1940s Cuff Bracelet by Forstner
Vintage Bracelets, 1940s Jewelry, Forstner JewelryThis vintage cuff bracelet is a variation of Forstner’s flexible bracelets, a popular style in the 1940s. This piece is formed from a tapering double-row with a decorative, fixed buckle. The polished finish of the center buckle adds a nice contrast to the coiled sides. Jewelry by Forstner was very well made and has retained its quality. Note that this piece is gold-filled, which means it has a thicker layer of gold than a piece that is gold-plated. This cuff is especially nice because the construction allows it to fit small- to medium-size wrists. Please note that dark areas in the photos are only reflections from the camera. Several Vogue ads for this company’s flexible bracelets in other styles date this cuff from about 1946-1947. Scroll down to see a sterling necklace in the same style by Walter Lampl as well as a gold-filled snake-chain necklace by Forstner.USD$295.00 -
QuickviewGold 2-strand Snake Chain 1940s Necklace by Forstner
Vintage Necklaces, 1940s Jewelry, Forstner JewelryThis two-strand, gold-filled snake chain necklace is the epitome of mid- to late-1940s style. At that time, snake chains were made into necklaces, bracelets, key chains, brooches, and watchbands. Forstner made theirs in rhodium-plated sterling silver, gold-filled, and 10k and 14k gold. Different versions were advertised in Vogue from 1946-1948. An ad for a three-strand necklace like this one was in the November 15, 1948 issue. Scroll down to see a complementary bracelet by this maker.USD$175.00
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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. Read more about 1940s jewelry and fashion.
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. Read more about 1940s jewelry and fashion.