Kaleidoscope effect

Gorgeous abstract design swirl pin. 1980s. Rhinestones, matte gold. Vintage Norma Jean costume jewelry

Vintage Norma Jean costume jewelry
Unusual in shape and design, Norma Jean pieces resemble some archaic jewelry found somewhere during the excavations of ancient civilizations. Bold and elegant design, exquisite handmade work make these costume decorations desirable for collectors of vintage jewelry. Noteworthy, Rhode Island based designer has been in business for more than 30 years, since the 1984.
Available through various major catalogs, Norma Jean pieces – sold in various Department Stores, including Canada, Japan and Mexico. Traditionally, the NJ jewelers used gold tone metal, rhinestones, crystals, faux pearl and sometimes enamel. Also, all earrings, pins and brooches have markings – N J, or Norma Jean.
However, creating fashion jewelry is not the only business of a talented American designer. In addition, she designs and hand makes decorative things and home goods – push pins, shower hooks, etc.
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Duck with umbrella brooch. 4.5 cm. Gold plated sterling silver, lucite. 1944-1945. Norma Jewelry Corp vintage costume jewelry

Norma Jewelry Corp vintage costume jewelry
Founded by Alfred Benjamin Shawl, American company Norma Jewelry Corp. began producing costume decorations in 1944. However, the company existed for just over 10 years, from 1944 to 1954. During this period Alfred Benjamin Shawl had several patents for some interesting jewelry designs. In particular, Water Girl (1947), Accordionist (1948) and Cow Girl (1949). According to “American Costume Jewelry” book by Brunalti, he registered the last patent in September 1954. Since there is no information about the company after this, Norma Jewelry most likely ceased to exist in the late 1950s.
Traditionally, jewelers used sterling silver in their brooches design, often gold plated. Also, the use of rhinestones, cabochons, and especially the lucite insert – characteristic of the design. Besides, the design of the 1950s includes the use of colored enamels and semi-precious stones. In fact, the jelly belly jewelry series was very popular in the 1940s and is highly collectible in our time. Noteworthy, each product of this company has marking – Norma Sterling Pat.Pend.
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Beautiful rectangular shaped floral design brooch. Jewelry alloy, crystals, rhinestones. 1980s. Signed Weinberg New York costume jewelry

Weinberg New York costume jewelry

Unfortunately, there is very little information about the creator of vintage jewelry labeled Weinberg NY. According to scant information, this brand was active from early 1980’s to late 1980s. The very name of the American company Weinberg NY indicates its location. Accordingly, each Weinberg decoration is a vintage rarity. As a rule, products marked Weinberg have an elegant and sophisticated design in the art deco style or made in classic floral and fantasy motifs. Also, figurative brooches – ballerina, dragon, etc. Traditionally, jewelers used metal of silver or gold tone. Besides, each brooch, earrings or bracelet is an abundance of rhinestones, crystals, art glass, lucite and acrylic plastic.
Noteworthy, each decoration has label – Weinberg NY, or Weinberg New York.
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Grotesque self-portrait of the artist as an oracle IV. 1989. Work by American enamel artist jeweler William Harper

American jeweler William Harper

Born in 1944 in Ohio, William Harper is one of the greatest American jewelers of the 20th century. His decorations – recognized masterpieces that are in private collections and museum exhibitions around the world. An amazing combination of genius and skill!
His exotic and often esoteric images, complex and brilliant jewelry work with enamel, make his products unique in this area.
In fact, the base of such an extraordinary vision is an extensive knowledge of the history of art and a deep understanding of human nature. Noteworthy, New York based jeweler Harper has been creating convincing and innovative works for more than forty years.

His products are in the collections of the American Museum of Crafts, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Also, represented in the Vatican Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
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Hop cone necklace of dark silver tone. Signed Botticelli vintage costume jewelry

Signed Botticelli vintage costume jewelry
Traditionally, vintage pieces signed Botticelli contain very positive symbolism. According to belief, hop is a symbol of vitality, fertility, goodness and well-being. Besides, the image of hops relates to the idea of a happy marriage.
In fact, Providence based jewelry company “Botticelli” was active in the period of 1969-78. Meanwhile, the style and some technological features of “Botticelli” decorations are identical to jewelry “Tortolani”. So, the brand “Botticelli” could be one of the independent lines belonging to “Tortolani”. Well, it’s just my opinion.
Undoubtedly, all vintage jewelry pieces by this brand show simple but elegant, even timeless design. Made of silver coated blackened silver, sometimes with the use of enamel, the jewels demonstrate high casting quality and a wonderful sense of shape.
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Pendant necklace. Circa 1925. Gold, silver, sapphire, tourmaline, and pearls with a central carved jade rose. Work by English jewelry designer Dorrie Nossiter (29 June 1893 – 1977)

English jewelry designer Dorrie Nossiter
Born 29 June 1893 in Aston, Dorrie Nossiter was a famous English jewelry designer. Traditionally, she made her jewelry decorations in the well known style of the time – Art Deco and Arts and Crafts. Creating her well designed jewelry pieces, Nossiter used gold and sterling silver. Also, various gems, such as sapphire, tourmaline, jade and pearls. Noteworthy, Dorrie Nossiter did not mark any of her jewelry pieces. According to designs, there are visual similarities in Nossiter’s jewelry and works of another English designer Sibyl Dunlop. Moreover, some of the products attributed to Dunlop (so called “carpet of gems”) are actually works made by Nossiter. However, the design, settings and general method of construction of these decorations allow jewelry lovers and collectors to attribute them to Dorrie Nossiter.
Interestingly, Nossiter assigned a name to each piece of jewelry, for example “Silent Evening”, “Heavenly Twins”, etc.
Talented jeweler Dorrie Nossiter, who worked primarily in the 1930s, died in 1977.
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Matrix turquoise gold brooch pendant with two pearls. Murrle Bennett art nouveau jewelry

Murrle Bennett art nouveau jewelry (1884-1914)

Created in London in 1884, the jewelry company Murrle, Bennet & CO, specialized in art nouveau jewelry. The company collaborated with Liberty, and very often their decorations were stylistically close. The art of modern jewelers did not escape the influence of the art of other eras. In particular, the Celtic ornaments. However, it did not consist in borrowing elements of style and reproducing historical patterns, but in synthesizing different cultures.
Traditionally, Murrle Bennett quality pieces have marks M B & Co, also stamped carat – 9 ct, or 15 ct, etc.
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