Ravishing Rubies

Rubies are the birthstone for July. They range in colour from pink to deep red due to the presence of chromium, and like sapphires are part of the corundum group. Rubies are the red version of this group whereas all other colours are referred to as sapphires.  The value of a ruby is based on the same criteria as diamonds; cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.

Here are some fabulous pieces of ruby jewellery to enjoy.. 

Ravishing Rubies by pink-vintage featuring diamond jewelry

Ben-Amun crystal earrings / Ben-Amun statement necklace / Diamond jewelry / Ben-Amun ruby jewelry / Diamond jewelry / Diamond jewelry

Polyvore Fashion Picks

I have recently discovered Polyore and am becoming quite addicted! For those unfamiliar with Polyvore, it is a platform on which fashion items can be dragged and dropped to make collages or sets. It is great to see how outfits would look together or to create different mood boards. Here are a few items i have put together which are definitely on my wish list!

I absolutely love these Phillip Lim skinny jeans which i have paired with a simple white jersey tank by OAK. Accessories include a stylish vintage Chanel tote bag and gorgeous Jimmy Choo shoes. I have added this beautiful 1970s vintage Trifari pendant from the online shop as a final touch.

Silence is golden by pink-vintage 

Oak jersey tank
net-a-porter.com

3.1 Phillip Lim skinny jeans
net-a-porter.com

Jimmy choo shoes
net-a-porter.com

Leather handbag
my-wardrobe.com

Tom ford
my-wardrobe.com

Sophie Hulme leather belt
my-wardrobe.com

The Cameo Ring

Cameos have been popular throughout history but were especially fashionable during the Victorian era. A cameo ring is made by inserting a carved cameo into a simple hoop. Queen Victoria was a big fan of Cameos, and Cameo rings carved with her portrait were given to guests at her wedding to Prince Albert.

Here are a few gorgeous examples…

Cameo Rings by pink-vintage featuring olivia collings antique jewelry

Alcozer & J vintage cameo jewelry / Amedeo agate ring / Olivia Collings Antique Jewelry / Seashell ring / Amedeo seashell ring, $3,670

The Cocktail Ring

Here are a few stunning cocktail rings i found on Polyvore. Cocktail rings are thought to have originated in the prohibition era when they were worn by fashionable women to glamorous secret cocktail parties. The cocktail ring was designed to be eye catching and ostentatious. The term 'cocktail ring' is associated with any over sized ring but typically contains a large central stone surrounded by smaller ones. 

Cocktail Rings by pink-vintage featuring an emerald cut ring

Yellow gold ring / Roberto Cavalli metal ring / Fantasy Jewelry Box aqua ring / Vintage ring / Astley Clarke african jewelry, $4,195 / ABS by Allen Schwartz emerald cut ring, $70

Book Review: Millers Costume Jewellery

This is a great reference book for anybody interested in collecting vintage costume jewellery. Judith Miller gives a comprehensive history of costume jewellery from ancient times to the modern day including topics such as Art Nouveau, Art Deco jewellery, and the Hollywood inspired jewellery of the 1950s. The backgrounds and influences of many 20^th century costume designers are discussed including; Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, Hattie Carnegie, Stanley Hagler, Christian Dior and Miriam Haskell. With beautiful photographs throughout, this book is both a pleasurable and informative read.

Jewellery Trends: Statement Style

Shop the trend  with our collection of 1980s  vintage statement necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. When it comes to accessorising this summer, bigger is definitely better! Worn as an accent piece or layered for a more dramatic look, our vintage bling is the perfect accessory to complement your summer wardrobe.

Costume Jewellery and Chanel

Coco Chanel was a pioneer in the popularisation of costume jewellery during the 1920s, 30s and 40s. She believed jewellery should be worn to decorate and complement current fashions; not just to display a person’s wealth.  Costume jewellery which had previously been viewed as a cheap alternative to the ‘real’ thing, was now becoming an acceptable and popular accessory in its own right.

Chanel’s jewellery was not designed to imitate fine jewellery but to embellish and enhance her uncomplicated couture.  Her use of non precious materials allowed greater creativity in her designs; for example, her exaggerated faux pearl necklaces which became a signature look.  Other materials include poured glass, gilt chains and antiqued gold settings in jewellery that was deliberately designed to look fake.  She would occasionally design pieces which combined cheaper materials and precious gems; creating jewellery that made a daring statement whilst still retaining a chic elegance.

Chanel believed in simplicity, and her 1926 ‘little black dress’ was the perfect backdrop to showcase her costume jewellery creations which included crosses, military style themes and long strings of faux baroque pearls. The effect was a look unparalleled in glamour and sophistication.

Vintage Chanel jewellery is highly collectable and as a result demands high prices. Collecting vintage Chanel can be an excellent investment however it is important to do your homework as there are many fakes on the market. Buying from a reputable dealer is advisable

Monday Must Have: 1970s Vintage Lariat Necklace by Goldette

A beautiful gold tone vintage lariat necklace by Goldette from the 1970s. Features a fleur de lis pendant with glittering diamantes and faux seed pearls. The pendant slides for adjustability. Goldette was a line of jewellery made by Circle Jewellery Products – New York City. Founded by Ben Gartner in 1958, the company produced a wide range of high quality costume jewellery up until its closure during the late 1970s. 

Vintage Necklace by Goldette

Acrylic Cast Bridal Jewellery Bag by Ted Noten

By Photography: Atelier Ted Noten / Artwork: Atelier Ted Noten [Attribution], via Wikimedia Commons

I love this 'Ageeth's Dowry' bridal bag by Dutch jewellery designer and conceptual artist Ted Noten. Acrylic cast containing jewellery donated by the bride's family, with double pearl string carrying strap

Vintage Costume Jewellery Designer: Kramer

Kramer Jewellery Creations was extablished by Louis Kramer in New York City in 1943. The company produced a vast array of beautiful costume jewellery up until its closure in the late 1970s.

Kramer favoured an extravagant style.  His lavish designs incorporated numerous sparkling rhinestones creating a look synonymous with luxury. His high end pieces were made using the finest Swarovski crystals and complemented the glamorous fashions of the 1950s.

Kramer’s artistic talent was admired by Christian Dior who commissioned the company to produce jewellery under his name. These pieces are particularly collectable and sought after by vintage costume jewellery collectors today. Also popular are pieces marked ‘Amourelle’; a rare line of jewellery produced by Miriam Haskell designer Frank Hess.

The wide range of jewellery produced by Kramer included glittering bracelets, necklaces, and full parures as well as many figural pieces.  

Vintage Kramer Bracelet

How to store vintage costume jewellery

Vintage costume jewellery can be very delicate so it is important to store it carefully. Here are a few tips to keep your vintage jewellery in pristine condition.

·         Wipe jewellery with a soft dry cloth after wearing. Perfumes, cosmetics and hairsprays contain chemicals that can damage costume jewellery.

·         Store flat in a cool, dry place. Avoid placing jewellery in direct sunlight or anywhere hot as this can melt any glue and cause stones to loosen or fall out.

·         Store each item separately to avoid scratching and chipping of jewellery. Protect delicate items by wrapping in a soft cloth or jewellery pouch.

·         Avoid storing in plastic bags as moisture can become trapped and cause damage.

What is Costume Jewellery?

Costume jewellery is often referred to as ‘fake’ or ‘imitation’ jewellery as opposed to ‘fine’ jewellery which is made from precious metals and gem stones. 

In the 1930s, fashion couturiers created imitation jewellery to accessorise their designs, which is where the term ‘costume jewellery’ is thought to originate. Although the phrase originated in the early 20^th century, costume jewellery has been worn for thousands of years.  Jewellery made from shells, bone and various other materials was worn very early in our civilisation for many different purposes including the display of wealth, status, love and worship

Wearing jewellery to display wealth and status became less appropriate with the shortages experienced during World War I and II and the popularity of costume jewellery increased around this time. The mass production that followed made jewellery much more affordable. Pieces were designed to accessorise current fashions and be replaced when new trends emerged. The benefit of this was that manufacturers were able to create many extravagant and unusual pieces which would have been too expensive to produce if precious metals and gemstones were used.

Costume jewellery marks a moment in time and reflects the fashions of the day. It gives a snapshot in history, and is one of the reasons vintage costume jewellery is so popular amongst collectors. Although a lot of costume jewellery was not originally designed to last, many pieces have survived and will continue to be worn and loved. In my opinion this is what makes vintage costume jewellery so special.

How to clean vintage costume Jewellery

In order to preserve vintage costume jewellery it is very important to take care if you decide to clean it.  Costume jewellery was not always made to last but to be worn as a fashion accessory and replaced when new trends emerged. For this reason it is a lot more delicate than fine jewellery. However, if looked after correctly vintage costume jewellery can continue to sparkle for many years to come.

Moisture is the biggest enemy of vintage costume jewellery and submersing your jewellery in any kind of liquid should be avoided at all costs. This is particularly important if the piece contains rhinestones, as liquid can cause damage and darkening of the stones. Chemicals can also cause damage therefore many jewellery cleaning solutions are not suitable for costume jewellery.

For rhinestone jewellery a dry polishing cloth is the safest method but if necessary you could use a soft brush such as a make- up brush or baby toothbrush to gently remove any dirt build up. Be very careful if the piece contains aurora borealis stones as the coating can be easily scratched.  If the piece is very dirty, a damp cloth can be used, followed by a dry cloth to polish. Avoid wetting the jewellery and continually blot any moisture from the piece. Rhinestones often have a foil backing which can become easily damaged if moisture gets behind the stones. If the jewellery does get wet, make sure it is dried thoroughly with a hairdryer on a cool setting (heat can also damage rhinestone jewellery).

For rhinestone or crystal jewellery that is not foil backed, a small amount of glass cleaner can be used. Buff with a soft dry cloth.

Gold , silver, rhodium plated  and vermeil  jewellery can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaning solutions as this can scratch and damage the plating. Make sure any soap residue is removed and dry thoroughly. Avoid using any chemical cleaning solutions.

Always store your jewellery in a cool dry place and avoid direct sun exposure.  Avoid direct contact with make-up, perfumes and body lotions as these can contain chemicals which lead to tarnishing. Wipe with a soft dry cloth after wear.

                                                                                                                                                 

Monday Must Have: Vintage 'Juliana' Brooch by Delizza and Elster

This weeks Monday Must Have is this lovely vintage Juliana brooch by Delizza and Elster. Featuring sparkling green and hot pink navette rhinestones this brooch is a stunning addition for any Juliana vintage jewellery collector. This brooch is a book piece and is featured in Katerina Musetti's book 'The Art of Juliana Jewellery'. 

Vintage Juliana Brooch by Delizza and Elster

Delizza and Elster 'Juliana' Vintage Jewellery

Delizza and Elster designed and manufactured jewellery for many 20^th costume jewellery houses but are particularly famous for their ‘Juliana’ line of jewellery which has become increasingly sought after by vintage jewellery collectors today.

Founded by William Delizza Harold Elster  in 1947, the company produced magnificent pieces of jewellery and became well known for their complex three dimensional designs, quality workmanship and use of unusual art glass stones.  They designed and manufactured numerous jewellery sets, earrings, brooches, bracelets and necklaces as well as buttons and belts.

They had a showroom on Fifth Avenue, New York and their jewellery was sold in many department stores throughout the US.  They also produced jewellery for many other well known companies including Kenneth Jay Lane, Tara, Sarah Coventry, Alice Caviness, Coro, Kramer and Hattie Carnegie.

Delizza and Elster jewellery can be difficult to identify as their pieces were unmarked but due to its popularity amongst vintage jewellery collectors many online verification sites have become available. In 1967/68 a paper hang tag in black and gold was attached to identify Juliana jewellery. Finding pieces with the original label attached is rare but extremely desirable for collectors.

There are certain characteristics associated with Juliana Jewellery that can help with its identification. Here is a brief summary

BRACELETS

• Many incorporated a 5 link construction using round or oval shaped links
• Most have a safety chain
• Only square shaped wire used in clamper bracelets
• Flat backed bracelets also produced

BROOCHES

Vintage Juliana Brooch

• Built in joint and catch pin
• Multidimensional layering
• Circular rings often used for support

NECKLACES

• Styles included bib necklaces, V shaped necklaces , collars
• Some incorporated a 5 link construction
• A J hook closure was most commonly used

EARRINGS

• Backs most commonly consist of a scalloped shape clip with 3 holes although other types were used.

Features common to all Delizza and Elster jewellery was the use of open and closed navette rhinestones, extravagant art glass stones and glittering aurora borealis and diamantes. Gold  and silver toned metals were used as well as japanned (black) and  gun metal effects.

The prices of Juliana jewellery has dramatically increased over the last few years. When determining the value of a piece, market demand, quality, condition and rarity are important factors.

For more information regarding Juliana Jewellery an excellent resource is Katerina Musetti’s book ‘ The Art of Juliana Jewellery. The book include a comprehensive guide to  the history, identification  and care of Juliana Jewellery along with beautiful photographs throughout.

Monday Must Have: 1980s Vintage Givenchy Earrings

These huge 1980s vintage earrings by Givenchy are definitely a statement piece! Chunky and bold in a gold tone finish, these clip back earrings are in excellent vintage condition.

Vintage Jewellery Designer: Christian Dior

Christian Dior took the fashion industry by storm with his ‘New Look’ during the 1950s and became one of the most influential fashion designers of all time.

Christian Dior

Christian Dior was born in Normandy, France in 1905 and moved to Paris with his family when he was about 5 years old. Although his family had other career aspirations for him, his main passion was art. At an early age he produced fashion sketches which he would sell outside his house to make money. He went on to sell sketches to the couture houses of Paris, and managed to secure an apprenticeship with Robert Piguet in 1938. Following a year spent as an officer during World War 2, Dior began working alongside Pierre Balmain in 1941 as one of the main designers for Lucien Lelong.

Dior’s designs impressed textile manufacturer Marcel Boussac who agreed to fund his own couture house in 1946. On the 12^th of February 1947, Dior presented his first collection.  This voluptuous ‘new look’ was completely different to the styles women were used to during the war. The curvy, hourglass shape was created by using much more fabric than war time rationing would allow. This new style soon became popular with many women, including screen stars like Margot Fonteyn and Rita Hayworth.

The New Look by Christian Dior. Photography Willy Maywald.

From 1948 Christian Dior designed jewellery to complement his couture collections. Under licence his jewellery was manufactured and sold worldwide. Dior’s jewellery was of the highest quality, and only the finest companies and designers were employed. In 1952 Mitchell Maer began producing Christian Dior jewellery in London.  His innovative style incorporated opulent rhinestones and faux pearls inspired by historical styles. His Victorian, Georgian and Byzantine collections were particularly popular. Maer went bankrupt in 1956 but his jewellery continues to be sought after by vintage jewellery collectors today. Other companies that designed for Dior include Kramer of New York; Henkel & Grosse and Josette Gripoix

 Dior put a modern twist on many historical designs. His pieces incorporated unusual stones and colours including rainbow effect ‘aurora borealis’ rhinestones which he worked together with Swarovski produce. Magnificent necklaces, brooches and bracelets were made using a variety of different shaped stones with complex multifaceted cuts set in detailed metal settings. The detail of each piece highlights Dior’s insistence on quality. He took inspiration from nature and incorporated many floral designs into his work.  Christian Dior jewellery is always signed.

Christian Dior was highly influential during the 1950s and his designs were sought after by many beautiful and talented women. Following Diors death in 1957 the House of Dior has continued to be a successful, globally recognised brand.

MONDAY MUST HAVE: VINTAGE CHRISTIAN DIOR EARRINGS

This weeks Monday Must Have are these chic gold plated vintage Christian Dior earrings. Featuring black enamel detail and  prong set diamantes , these earrings are a glittering example of 1980s Christian Dior costume jewellery.

      

MONDAY MUST HAVE: VINTAGE RING BY MONET

This weeks Monday Must Have is this eyecatching vintage ring by Monet. Originally Monocraft, the company was founded in the late 1920s by the Chernow Brothers who gained success producing monograms for handbags. They went on to manufacture jewellery under the Monet name in the late 1930s and were famous for their beautiful designs and high quality workmanship.  In later decades Monet  manufactured  jewellery for Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix

MONDAY MUST HAVE: 1989 VINTAGE BARRERA NECKLACE

This weeks Monday must have is this stunning vintage 1989 statement necklace by Jose and Maria Barrera for Avon. Avon collaborated with many famous designers such as Elizabeth Taylor, Kenneth J Lane and Barrera to produce special lines of jewellery which have become increasingly collectable. This beautiful bold necklace features an ivy leaf design and filigree detail and would be a gorgeous addition to any vintage jewellery collection.

PERFECT SUMMER PASTEL JEWELLERY

New in store: Pretty pastel blue 1950s vintage jewellery by Coro

VINTAGE JEWELLERY ADVERTISING

I love vintage advertisements and spend many a happy hour finding new ones to pin on my Pinterest board. Here are a few of my favourites.

 A 1981 Vintage Napier advert with the original neckace

MONDAY MUST HAVE: Vintage Necklace by Napier

Perfect for summer, this weeks Monday Must Have is this gorgeous chunky 1980s vintage necklace by Napier. 

CORO VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELLERY

In 1901 Emmanuel Cohn and Carl Rosenberger opened a small shop on Broadway, New York City selling jewellery and accessories. They employed talented designers and initially outsourced their jewellery to other companies for manufacture. They eventually opened their own Island factory in 1929 and went on to become the largest costume jewellery manufacturer in Rhode the world, employing somewhere in the region of 3500 staff.

Led by the Director of sales Royal Marcher, the company achieved its vision of growth with Coro jewellery being sold throughout the US. Factories were opened in England and Canada expanding their production overseas.

Coro produced a high volume of fashionable costume jewellery aimed mainly at the lower to mid price range. They also produced more expensive, high end costume jewellery which was manufactured using higher quality materials such as sterling silver.

Adolph Katz joined Coro in 1924 as design director and was responsible for choosing which designs to manufacturer from the many talented designers employed by the company. He worked for Coro for nearly 40 years and his name appears on many Coro jewellery patents. Although he did not design the jewellery himself, it was his creative vision that contributed greatly to the success of the company .

1950s Vintage Coro Bracelet

BEADED JEWELLERY

Since very early in our civilisation beads have been worn as jewellery.Early beads were fashioned from natural materials such as bone, shell, wood and were worn for their intrinsic natural beauty as decorative items or to express deeper symbolic belief systems. The oldest beads made by humans were found in Israel. They were fashioned from small shells and are thought to be around 100000 years old. 

Beaded jewellery became very fashionable in the latter part of the 1950s and 1960s. One of my favourite costume jewellery designers of this era is Stanley Hagler, whose clever use of various beads including murano glass, faux baroque pearls, seed pearls and beads resulted in jewellery of breathtaking beauty. He established his company in 1953 and famously designed a bracelet for Wallace Simpson, who became a fan of his jewellery and was often seen wearing it. In 1989 Ian St Gieler became the chief designer. Jewellery by Stanley Hagler is highly collectible with prices reflecting this.

 Ian St Gielar at Stanley Hagler Floral Cluster Necklace

Another company famous for their stunning beaded creations was Coppola e Toppo. Lyda Toppo worked with her brother Bruno Coppola to produce intricately detailed and ornate pieces of beaded costume jewellery using a variety of beads including Murano glass and Austrian crystal. Their 

jewellery often featured multiple strands of graduated coloured beads as well as ornately designed clasps.  They began production in 1946 and designed jewellery for some of the top names of the time, including Elsa Shiaparelli, Christian Dior and Valentino. The company ceased production in 1986

AURORA BOREALIS VINTAGE JEWELLERY

Popular in the late 1950s and first part of the 1960s, Aurora Borealis stones were used extensively by costume jewellery manufacturers to create jewels with glittering brilliance and sparkle. Named after the atmospheric phenomenon otherwise known as ‘the northern lights’, Aurora Borealis stones have a beautiful iridescent, rainbow effect that reflects the colours around it.

                   

                        1960s DeLizza and Elster for Sarah Coventry Vintage Brooch

This lustrous effect is due to a metallic chemical coating which was developed by the Austrian company Swarovski in 1956. They worked closely with Christian Dior who were the first to use Aurora Borealis coated stones in their jewellery designs. Other costume jewellery designers soon got on board, creating beautiful necklaces, brooches, bracelets, earrings and rings containing the popular crystals. This mass production of Aurora Borealis jewellery made it much more affordable and available to all budgets.

Often abbreviated to AB, Aurora Borealis vintage costume jewellery will always have been made after 1956. When cleaning or storing AB jewellery it is important to take extra care as the coating is delicate and can easily become scratched. 

LISNER VINTAGE JEWELLERY

D. Lisner & Company was established by David Lisner in 1904. Born in Germany he emigrated to New York City with his family in the 1860s. The company began as a wholesale business, importing jewellery and other items from Europe to sell in the US. They imported and sold jewellery by Elsa Shiaparelli, but the importation of goods from Europe became increasingly difficult in the years leading up to the war.  

The company began producing its own jewellery which was manufactured by Rhode Island factories, including Whiting and Davis. Their costume jewellery was very popular during the 1950s and 60s due to the quality of their designs and affordability. Higher quality, more expensive lines were also produced such as their Richeleu range which was sold in the late 1950s and 1960s. Nature featured prominently in their designs with leaves, flowers and fruit being incorporated. They used colourful moulded Lucite (an acrylic plastic) as well as various coloured rhinestones, aurora borealis, and moulded glass; all set in silver plated, chrome and black japanned metals.

D. Lisner & Company bought the Richeleu pearl company in the 1970s and changed their name to the Lisner Richeleu Corporation in 1978. The company ceased production in the mid 1980s

Vintage Lisner Brooch

TRIFARI VINTAGE JEWELLERY. A SHORT HISTORY

Trifari was a highly successful  jewellery company who produced high quality costume jewellery throughout a large portion of the 20^th century. Their jewellery was favoured by many Hollywood and Broadway stars during the 1930s, and was worn by Mamie Eisenhower at the inaugural balls of 1953 and 1957. Trifari jewellery continues to enjoy popularity amongst vintage costume jewellery collectors today due to their imaginative designs and high quality workmanship.

                     

Mamie Eisenhower wearing Trifari 

In 1883 Gustavo Trifari was born in Naples, Italy. Having trained as a goldsmith under his Grandfather Luigi, he emigrated to New York City in 1904. He began working with his uncle to produce costume jewellery, going on to establish Trifari and Trifari together in 1910. In 1912 Gustavo began working for himself and Trifari was founded. Joined by Leo Krussman in 1917 and Karl Fishel in 1923 the company became Trifari, Krussman and Fishel in 1925.

Trifari jewellery became popular due to the wide range of high quality jewellery they produced. In 1930 the company employed Alfred Philippe who had previously designed for Cartier and Van Cleef and Arples.  Working as head designer, Philippes creative ability contributed greatly to the companys success. He designed some of Trifaris most successful lines including ‘Crown’ pins and ‘Jelly Bellies’ which were particularly popular then, and are prized by vintage costume jewellery collectors today.

                                 

Trifari Crown Pins - The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II 1953

A shortage of base metals due to war time restrictions brought challenges for costume jewellery manufacturers. From 1942 Trifari were forced to use sterling silver as an alternative and their prices increased dramatically as a result. Surprisingly, sales were not affected and they continued to enjoy success. In an attempt to reduce costs the company introduced a special alloy named Trifanium in 1947.

 Trifari pearl belly pins set in Trifanium

Before 1954 costume jewellery did not come under copyright laws. It was Trifari who were responsible for changing this when they took Coro to court for copyright infringement and won.  Jewellery produced after this date features the copyright symbol.

1960s Vintage Earrings by Trifari

GOLDETTE VINTAGE JEWELLERY

  I’m a big fan of Goldette vintage jewellery and recently added two beautiful vintage necklaces to the shop. Here’s a little bit of information about the company and the styles of jewellery they produced.

Vintage Amethyst Glass Pendant Necklace by Goldette

Goldette was a line of jewellery made by Circle Jewellery Products – New York City. Founded by Ben Gartner in 1958, the company produced a wide range of high quality costume jewellery up until its closure during the late 1970s. The company produced both signed and unsigned pieces of jewellery. Marks used by the company included Goldette NY ©, ©Goldette and Goldette ®

Goldette jewellery was manufactured in New Jersey and designs were influenced by a number of different styles including, Victorian, Oriental, Native American, Art Nouveau and Roman. They were particularly famous for their sliding charm bracelets which are now very collectable as well as their lockets, leaded glass sets, fobs and cameos. Their jewellery was made using silver and gold tone metals, often decorated with faux gemstones, seed pearls and diamante embellishments. Clasps were intricately detailed which can help with the identification of unsigned pieces.

Vintage Fleur De Lis Lariat Necklace by Goldette

Vintage Costume Jewellery Designer: Coppola E Toppo

Founded by Lyda Toppo, Coppola E Toppo were famous for their stunning beaded creations.  Lyda worked with her brother Bruno Coppola to produce intricately detailed and ornate pieces of beaded costume jewellery using a variety of beads including Murano glass and Austrian crystal. Their jewellery often featured multiple strands of graduated coloured beads as well as ornately designed clasps.  They began production in 1946 and designed jewellery for some of the top names of the time, including Elsa Shiaparelli, Christian Dior and Valentino. Vintage Coppolo E Toppo jewellery has become very collectable and prices have risen accordingly