Emerald, Diamanté & Sterling Dress Clip
1940s Jewelry, Unknown (Maker's Mark is Unknown), Vintage Dress ClipsThis 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$295.00USD$295.00
Emerald, Diamanté & Vermeil Sterling Coro Bouquet Brooch
1940s Jewelry, Coro Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis Coro bouquet brooch is another beautiful Retro Modern design by Adolf Katz for Coro’s high-end line. This jewel features a gold-washed-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 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$195.00USD$195.00
Gemstone & Silver Rope Double-Bow Brooch by Reinad
1940s Jewelry, Reinad Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis 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$395.00USD$395.00
Gemstone & Sterling Flower Bouquet Brooches by Otis
1940s Jewelry, Otis Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThese 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$195.00USD$195.00
Gemstone & Rose Vermeil Sterling ‘Stars in the Sky’ 1940s Brooch by Coro
1940s Jewelry, Coro Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis 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$395.00USD$395.00
Gemstone & Rose Vermeil Sterling Calla Lily Pin by Coro
1940s Jewelry, Coro Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis 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$295.00USD$295.00
Gemstone & Vermeil Sterling Flower Adolph Katz Brooch
1940s Jewelry, Coro Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis 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$295.00USD$295.00
Gemstone & Vermeil Sterling Flower Brooch/Pendant
1940s Jewelry, Coro Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis 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$295.00USD$295.00
Gemstone & Vermeil Sterling Flower Brooch/Pendant by Coro
1940s Jewelry, Coro Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis 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$295.00USD$295.00
Gemstone Crescent Earrings by De Rosa
1940s Jewelry, Ralph De Rosa Jewelry, Vintage EarringsThese crescent earrings with gemstone-colored glass stones were made by Ralph De Rosa. The gems are graduated in size and enhanced with an inner ring of diamantés. The variety of colors makes these ear clips very versatile. 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. De Rosa created a Dearest series, which included brooches, in 1949. This maker's pieces are always exceptionally well-made and hard-to-find. A pair of clip cushions is included with this purchase.USD$295.00USD$295.00
Gemstone Ribbon Bow Brooch by Coro
1940s Jewelry, Coro Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis 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$195.00USD$195.00
Gold & Diamanté ‘Merry Whirl’ Duette & ‘Gay Swirl’ Earrings
1940s Jewelry, Coro Jewelry, Costume Jewelry Sets / Parures, Double Clip Brooches, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis 'Merry Whirl' Duette was sold to me as a set with these earrings. Although all pieces are gold-tone with diamanté and made by the same company, my research uncovered a different story. The screw-back earrings are, in fact, 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 dress clips. These jewels 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$195.00USD$195.00
Gold & Diamanté 1940s Earrings by Mazer Bros.
1940s Jewelry, Mazer Bros. Jewelry, Vintage EarringsThese 1940s earrings by Mazer are a lovely and hard-to-find example of the Retro Modern style of that decade. They feature gold-plated ribbons embellished with faceted, round- and square-cut diamanté. These well-made ear clips face each other, to frame your face to perfection. They will make an elegant addition to any daytime or evening outfit. Just add a simple gold bracelet, and you'll be good to go.USD$245.00USD$245.00
Gold & Diamanté Flower Brooch by Otis
1940s Jewelry, Otis Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis gold-plated flower brooch is the only Otis piece I and my friend and co-author Robin Deutsch have ever seen with this finish. Though petite, this graceful sterling silver brooch with diamanté is charming. The finish has a few dark spots, but overall it looks much better with the naked eye than my camera indicates. You can read our Otis article here.USD$185.00USD$185.00
Gold 1940s Cuff Bracelet by Forstner
1940s Jewelry, Forstner Jewelry, Vintage BraceletsThis 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.USD$395.00USD$395.00
Gold Leaf & Art Glass Brooch by Elsa Schiaparelli
1940s Jewelry, Elsa Schiaparelli Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis art glass brooch from the late-1940s is described by jewelry historian Vivienne Becker as a “dancing openwork leaf” (Fabulous Costume Jewelry). It is set with emerald, ruby, sapphire and amber cabochons in dog-tooth prongs. The outline of the gold-tone leaf and stem are textured. This versatile and elegant piece closes with a roll-over safety clasp. I think this jewel was meant to be worn with the leaf pointing down, as shown in the first photo, but the third photo shows the leaf pointing up – you decide which you prefer!USD$395.00USD$395.00
Gold Leaf Lapel Pin by Nettie Rosenstein
1940s Jewelry, Nettie Rosenstein Jewelry, Vintage Dress ClipsThis leaf lapel pin is a substantial piece by New York fashion designer Nettie Rosenstein. A layer of berries is attached to stylized, openwork leaves, creating a three-dimensional effect. Made of gold-plated sterling silver in the 1940s, this dress clip has a hinged, double-prong back. This decorative, high-quality pin looks great on the shoulder or lapel of a dress, jacket, or coat – the fabric just needs to be weightier to support the jewel. No wonder jewelry from this fashion house is so highly-prized!USD$275.00USD$275.00
Golden Topaz & Vermeil Sterling Flower Brooch by Coro
1940s Jewelry, Coro Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis flower brooch pin is a graceful, large gold-plated sterling silver jewel created by CoroCraft, the company’s high-end line. Oval, faceted golden-topaz-glass stones form the flower that sits atop the stem. The tilt of the blossom and the furled leaves make this piece look as though it is blowing in the wind. This stylized design was very popular in the 1940s. Joan Crawford wore a similar brooch at the throat of her blouse in a scene in Mildred Pierce.USD$245.00USD$245.00
Golden Topaz & Vermeil Sterling Flower Earrings
1940s Jewelry, Unsigned Jewelry, Vintage EarringsThese vintage topaz earrings look like dancing flowers. Curled sterling silver petals have faceted oval glass stone centers. The metal has a hint of a warm gold plating, which was popular in the 1940s. These graceful Retro Modern jewels are so beautiful and well-made that I’m surprised they are unsigned. These elegant screw-back earrings are timeless and great for both day and evening wear. Note that any color variations in metal are only camera reflections.USD$245.00USD$245.00
Milk Glass Bead, Diamanté & Gold Earrings by Miriam Haskell
1940s Jewelry, 1950s Jewelry, Vintage Earrings, Vintage Miriam Haskell JewelryThese milk glass earrings with beads and disks, rondelles, and gold-tone findings have a real Machine Age-look and associated movement. However, the use of French ear clips dates them to the late-1940s, and the white beads may take them into the 1950s, when white jewelry was extremely popular. I still consider this pair to be Art Deco in style, and I’ve seen the same motif used by this designer (Frank Hess) on earlier Miriam Haskell pieces. Whenever they were made, these ear clips are lots of fun! I saw them in an entirely new, bright, and glamorous light when they were chosen to walk the runway at Toronto Fashion Week for Spring 2019. See them on the model who looked stunning in a bridal jumpsuit with skirt. You don't have to be a bride to add glamour to an ensemble with these fabulous earrings!USD$345.00USD$345.00
Pearl Bracelet with Diamantés in Sterling by Eisenberg
1940s Jewelry, Eisenberg Jewelry, Vintage BraceletsThis vintage pearl bracelet is substantial, well-made, and stunning. Each link has a large glass pearl sitting atop a ring of diamantés set in sterling silver. The design is similar to the maker’s Cornucopia brooch and earrings but on a larger scale. This late-1940s jewel, which closes with a box clasp and safety chain, is another statement piece. You can wear it with the Diamanté & Sterling Sunburst Earrings, also by Eisenberg, which are similar in design – scroll down to see them.USD$595.00USD$595.00
Pink Tourmaline & Sterling Flower Hobé Brooches
1940s Jewelry, Hobé Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis pair of Hobé brooches is delicate and lovely. Each is a flower with a deep-pink tourmaline (almost fuchsia) center. The sterling petals on one side are furled; those on the other side feature a beautiful open-work design that is known as fretwork. You can wear the pair together on the shoulder of a dress or jacket, or on either side of a collar. What a lovely adornment for a bride's hair! These brooches were hand-made. Although they’re marked “DESIGN PAT’D”, I have been unable to identify a design patent that looks like them.USD$245.00USD$245.00
Pink Tourmaline, Sapphire, Peridot & Sterling Bouquet Brooch by Hobé
1940s Jewelry, Hobé Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis jeweled brooch is a bouquet of sterling silver flowers, stems, and leaves. They are tied in a bow and accented with collet-set pink tourmaline, pale sapphire and peridot glass stones. This brooch, with its roll-over safety clasp, is another example of the fine hand-made 1940s jewelry Hobé is known for. I particularly love the size and vertical orientation of this jewel. Scroll down to see one of this maker’s bracelets with a floral motif that coordinates well with this brooch.USD$295.00USD$295.00
Ruby Bead & Rondelle Miriam Haskell Brooch/Clip
1940s Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & Pins, Vintage Miriam Haskell JewelryThis Miriam Haskell brooch, which is also a dress clip, is an extremely versatile piece. It has deep-red glass beads separated by rondelles and small flat beads in silver metal findings. A World War II-style dress clip is attached to the pierced plastic back. Other Frank Hess creations used this Machine Age-design and construction, which allow the elements to move. (Scroll down to see a similar pair of earrings.) I bought this piece from Haskell expert Cathy Gordon, who indicated that the pin stem was probably added to the dress clip at a later date. In addition to wearing this jewel as a clip or brooch, you can wear it as a pendant on a black cord (shown in the last photo) or on a silver or white-gold chain. The 17" black cord shown is included with this purchase. See my favorite model wearing this brooch as a pendant in this blog post.USD$595.00USD$595.00
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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.
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.