Amethyst Earrings by Elsa Schiaparelli
1940s Jewelry, Elsa Schiaparelli Jewelry, Vintage EarringsThese amethyst costume earrings by Elsa Schiaparelli feature the single, large emerald-cut stones that were so popular in the 1940s. Although classic and classy, this pair of ear clips is really hard to photograph. The stones are open back (without any green, as the photos may suggest) in a silver-tone setting. The actual color is a deep, regal purple. Earrings like these never go out of style!USD$195.00USD$195.00Aquamarine & Vermeil Sterling Flower Pin
1940s Jewelry, Hess-Appel Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis aquamarine flower pin in gold-washed sterling silver is bold and beautiful. It features a faceted, round glass stone set on each of the flower’s five petals. This tall (4-inch) piece was made by Hess-Appel under their Jollé trademark without the accent (which was used only in their advertisements). The stem and two leaves are curled a bit, a characteristic of the 1940s Retro Modern style. The finish is in great shape. The pin closes with a roll-over safety clasp. If statement pieces, which are in vogue right now, are your style, this jewel is for you!USD$195.00USD$195.00Aquamarine, Pink Topaz & Gold Circle Walter Lampl Brooch
1940s Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & Pins, Walter Lampl JewelryThis gold-filled Walter Lampl brooch is formed by a series of rings in different designs. The widest is convex and made of gold-mesh, with an overlay of gold leaves and vines along with tiny pink-topaz-glass stones. A narrow ring of aquamarine-glass baguettes provides further embellishment. At the top is an elaborate horizontal bow with three loops on each side and in the center. This 1940s jewel has a roll-over safety clasp and a loop at the top and bottom to allow the piece to be worn as a pendant.USD$195.00USD$195.00Black Suede Handbag with Chrome
Vintage PursesThis black suede handbag is probably a 1930s European design. Nearly square in shape with a fixed, top handle, this bag has chrome trim around the frame, a faille lining, and what appears to be the original mirror and change purse. Each of these accessories has a separate inside pocket. While the slender shape doesn’t lend itself to today’s daytime requirements, this beautiful bag is a lovely evening accessory.USD$195.00USD$195.00Black Velvet Vintage Clutch Purse
Vintage PursesThis vintage clutch purse in black velvet is shaped like a trapezoid. It has a chrome frame, decorative black Bakelite and chrome clasp, and faille lining with a pocket. At the center of the interior is a fixed change purse made of the same faille with a chrome frame. On the exterior, the front has a decorative rectangular tab, and the back has a hand strap in the same material. What a lovely accessory for evening! Just slide your hand under the strap, and you can dance the night away with the bag safely resting on top.USD$195.00USD$195.00Blue Bead 2-Strand Choker by Hattie Carnegie
1950s Jewelry, Hattie Carnegie Jewelry, Vintage NecklacesThis blue bead choker necklace is made from the unusual, high-quality beads typically used by Hattie Carnegie. Although the glass beads look blue from a distance, they are actually tri-colored: pale blue, white, and clear, all in the same bead! In between the beads are twisted gold-tone spacers. This 2-strand necklace has an adjustable hook-and-tail clasp. Scroll down to see a pair of Carnegie earrings that coordinates well with this piece.USD$195.00USD$195.00Blue Bead Earrings by Hattie Carnegie
1950s Jewelry, Hattie Carnegie Jewelry, Vintage EarringsThese blue bead earrings by Hattie Carnegie are an imaginative example of the style that was so popular in the 1950s. They are formed by clusters of blue-glass beads in varying shapes, tones, sizes and finishes. The combination adds dimension to these ear clips. A few of the beads are iridescent because of their aurora borealis coating. Scroll down to see the Blue Glass Bead 2-strand Choker by the same designer. Both pieces are perfect for women who look best in cool colors.USD$185.00USD$185.00Citrine & Vermeil Sterling German Brooch
1930s Jewelry, Unsigned Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis vintage German brooch in gold-washed sterling silver is highly-decorated. Its focal point is a flower with a faceted, round citrine-glass stone at the center. The twisted metal decoration on the sides gives this piece a bit of a Machine Age-feel. The markings indicate that this brooch was handmade in Germany, using sterling with a higher silver content (935) than the 925 North American standard. Please note that gold plating on the center flower is in tact, even though the photos suggest wear. A petite and lovely jewel.USD$185.00USD$185.00Colorful Wood Bead Purse by Schonanek
Vintage PursesThis wood bead purse was made by Schonanek in the former Czechoslovakia. It features beads in various shapes and sizes, with single-color bands set within each other to form the oval shape. In the center is a pattern of three flowers. The same pattern is repeated on the back. A triple row of flat-bottomed round black beads forms top handle. The bag has a zipper closure and a lining of black faille with a pocket on one side. The maker’s label is intact. Just a fun piece!USD$150.00USD$150.00Crystal Bead Art Deco Necklace
1920s Jewelry, Unsigned Jewelry, Vintage NecklacesThis faceted crystal bead necklace has the weight and quality of lead crystal. This strand in graduating sizes has knots in between and a filigree, fish-hook clasp. You can wear this Art Deco jewel with just about anything, anytime and anywhere. Did you know that faceted crystal beads were popular in the Twenties because they reflect light and brighten the wearer’s face? Note that this necklace is a bit longer than its contemporaries.USD$195.00USD$195.00Diamanté & Sterling 2-Row Bar Brooch
1920s Jewelry, Unsigned Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis Art Deco pin with two rows of diamanté and sterling silver has the same look and construction of the channel-set glass-stone bangle bracelets of the era. Even the edges of the brooch are engraved. The faceted, square-cut stones are bright and sparkly. This piece closes with a roll-over safety clasp. This classic jewel goes with everything! Scroll down to see a selection of lovely coordinating bracelets.USD$195.00USD$195.00Diamanté & Sterling Line Bracelet by Otis
1930s Jewelry, Otis Jewelry, Vintage BraceletsThis Otis sterling bracelet is a lovely example of an Art Deco line bracelet, the forerunner of today's tennis bracelet. It features faceted, square-cut diamanté channel-set in rhodium-plated sterling silver. Engraved edges and a diamanté-embellished fold-over clasp complete the design. The excellent articulation speaks to its high-quality construction, which actually was the same as that used by Wachenheimer Bros. (Read about the companies' connection.) Bracelets in this style (known as flexible bracelets in that era) were all the rage in the 1920s-1930s and were typically worn in multiples. You can see this one paired with other line bracelets in the photos. Although the stones have aged a bit, this jewel still has lots of sparkle. Scroll down to see coordinating pieces.USD$195.00USD$195.00Diamanté Bar Brooch by Schreiber & Hiller
1930s Jewelry, Schreiber & Hiller Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis vintage bar brooch has a 3 ½”-long, single channel of diamantés in a rhodium-plated setting. From the side, the shape is a trapezoid. This design incorporates the flat-top construction of the patented link. This brooch closes with a trombone clasp. A great piece for a jacket lapel! Scroll down to see bracelets by this maker to wear with this jewel.USD$185.00USD$185.00Diamanté Tennis Bracelet with Buckle by Mazer Bros.
1940s Jewelry, Mazer Bros. Jewelry, Vintage BraceletsThis 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$195.00USD$195.00Emerald & Diamanté Gold Ribbon Brooch
1940s Jewelry, Coro Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis gold ribbon brooch is a triple-loop horizontal bow adorned with a row of diamantés at each end. A flower cupped in the same vermeil 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$195.00USD$195.00Emerald, 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$195.00Gemstone & 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$195.00Gemstone 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$195.00Gold & 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$195.00Gold & 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$185.00Gold Swirl Earrings with Pavé by Marcel Boucher
1950s Jewelry, Marcel Boucher Jewelry, Vintage EarringsThese gold swirl earrings have the high-quality detail that characterizes this designer's creations. Made in the 1950s, these ear clips feature a pierced design in gold-plated metal embellished with pavé. As was the custom at the time, the earrings face each other to frame your face. Wear them to the office or on an evening out. A pair of clip cushions is included for added comfort. These adornments look great with a pair of brooches, also by Boucher, which feature the same delicate gold-plated pierced work with pavé accents in graceful bows – scroll down to see them.USD$195.00USD$195.00Gold-tone Metal Mesh Bag by Whiting & Davis
1920s Jewelry, Vintage PursesThis Whiting & Davis mesh bag was made from interwoven metal in the 1920s. It has a muted geometric design in red, blue and green on a background of pale gold. At the bottom, the plain border suggests fringe. The frame is gold-tone, with decorative engraving, a chain handle, and unusual clasp. The condition is very good for the age of this piece. I’ve detected one small hole on the side. In addition, if the bottom of the frame was meant to be attached to the mesh, it isn't any longer. Because of the nature of the construction, I would suggest lining the bag with a handkerchief and carrying only lightweight essentials. Still a pretty treasure from the Roaring '20s!USD$150.00USD$150.00Golden Topaz & Sterling Art Deco Bar Pin
1920s Jewelry, Unsigned Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis Art Deco bar pin is made in the same way as the imitation-gemstone bangle bracelets of the era. The faceted, square-cut golden-topaz (or citrine) glass stones are channel-set in sterling silver with engraved edges. This piece, which closes with a roll-over safety clasp, never goes out of style! Scroll down to see a matching Diamonbar bracelet. Both are a lovely caramel hue that is perfect for those who look best in warm colors.USD$195.00USD$195.00Green Bakelite Brooch with Diamantés
1930s Jewelry, Unsigned Jewelry, Vintage Brooches & PinsThis vintage Bakelite brooch is fashioned from a half-dome in light green. When jewelry makers embraced early plastics they no longer needed to imitate gemstones, so the range of colors was limitless. This 1930s piece is embellished with five rings of diamantés. This versatile Art Deco jewel is fun to wear and probably European in origin. It may be Galalith, an alternative plastic often used there. Although the pin is bent, it works very well. I love the mix of materials and the choice of green!USD$195.00USD$195.00