Antique C&R Hettel costume jewelry

Moth Large antique rare brooch with a crystal insert. Made in the style of Art Nouveau. 1890. C&R marking. 6.3 cm. C&R Hettel costume jewelry

Antique C&R Hettel costume jewelry
The history of jewelry company owned by Charles R. Hettel began in 1890 in St. Louis, Missouri. According to sources, the company ceased to exist in 1940s, and the latest jewelry catalog of this brand was published in 1931.
Jewellery by Charles R. Hettel is very extremely rare and desirable for collectors of vintage costume jewelry.
Initially, the company manufactured watches and high quality jewelry in Victorian or Art Deco style. The craftsmen used gold, silver, and diamonds. However, the era of the Great Depression (late 1920s and early 1930s) forced the company to change the politics in order to stay afloat. Thus, the company launched the production of costume jewelry with the use of cheaper materials. Accordingly, the designers replaced diamonds with Austrian rock crystal, natural pearls with faux, and gold items became gilded of made of brass. Yet, excellent jewelry work and high quality remained unchanged.