1950s/1960s Rhinestone Necklace, Brooch and Earrings Set
Description
This impressive jewellery set (or 'parure' to use the correct term) radiates vintage glamour! It consists of a necklace, brooch and clip earrings, which have been encrusted with dazzling rhinestones. All the items feature bases of shining silvertone metal, onto which have been set round stones in a variety of sizes, shades and finishes. Their design incorporates clusters of stones, some of which display dusky pink tones, whilst others have been given an 'aurora borealis' coating. The coating began to be used in jewellery from the mid-1950s, and the term itself is another name for the Northern Lights - this is a natural light show (occurring around the North Pole), during which a rainbow effect of colours make their way across the night sky. In terms of this jewellery set, the coating produces glittering touches of blue, pink and gold as the stones catch the light. The clusters are joined by 'branches' of stones, tightly set with small, clear glass types. Their faceted finish adds a clean, crisp glitter to each of the jewellery pieces. The clear stones are glued into place, whilst all the others are prong-held to their settings. A line of the dusky pink stones extends along the length of the necklace, which finishes at one end with a rhinestone, and at the other with a 'J-hook' clasp; the latter can be clipped into any one of four silvertone metal rings, thereby allowing slight variation in the size of the necklace. The brooch is rectangular in shape, and is fitted with a clasp with roll-over safety catch. The lower section of the earrings dangles from the upper clip attachment, which is fronted by a cluster of stones. A close look at the earrings reveals that they are both signed 'Austria'; we take it that is the country of origin for the set as a whole, although the necklace and brooch are unsigned. Austria has long been known for producing rhinestones of impeccable quality, and we think they have been used here to bold and eyecatching effect!
Manufacturer: Unsigned
Country of manufacture:
Austria
Product ref: J432 - SOLD
Condition
Excellent. Judging by the smooth and unscratched metal backs of all the items, this striking set has been rarely worn and carefully stored over the years. The items show minimal evidence of age or wear throughout. The stones display a clean and bright appearance, and their sparkling finish remains truly eyecatching. Any discolouration to the small clear stones on the earrings and brooch is very slight and not easily noticed - the clear stones used on the necklace show no discolouration whatsoever. Close examination of the coloured stones reveals some tiny nicks to the glass here and there, but these are only visible using a magnifier. The aurora borealis coating has survived very successfully, and there are no missing stones throughout the three items. All clasps and clip attachments are secure. This is a jewellery set which deserves to be worn at a glamorous or special occasion, where its shimmering colours and glittering effects can be admired!
Material: Silvertone metal and glass stones
Measurements: Full height of earrings: 51mm. Brooch - w:54mm x h:26mm. Necklace length varies from 420mm to 445mm
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