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Castlecliff vintage jewellery

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Castlecliff vintage jewellery - brooch 'Bird in the nest'

‘Bird in the nest’ brooch. Castlecliff vintage jewellery

Castlecliff vintage jewellery

The history of Castlecliff jewelry began in 1918 when designers Clifford Furst and Joseph Bobley opened their own company “Castlecliff Inc.”. Initially, they both worked for other companies, but in 1941, they launched Castlecliff jewelry brand, and in 1945 made their first collection of costume jewellery. The main designer was William Markle, whose imagination allowed him to create in all styles, from the Gothic, Renaissance and Art – Deco.
Famous for exquisite and colorful decorations and rich decorative trim, the company’s craftsmen used silver and gold. They began to mark their products in 1941. The markings included – «Castlemark», in 1957 – «Cassandra», after 1955 without mark, or the copyright symbol, and “Anne Klein for Castlecliff” in 1977.
Excellent knowledge of art, history, traditions and jewelry techniques allowed the designers create unique premium decorations. The company achieved great success in 1970-1972 – the period of cooperation with the brilliant Larry Vrba, who created a few incomparable collections for Castlecliff.
Highly valued by collectors, Castle cause delight and admiration of vintage jewelry lovers.
In 1977, unable to withstand the competition and the new economic conditions, the company ceased to exist. The quality of Castlecliff creations was so high that even 50-year-old decorations preserve original condition, which is highly valued in the market of antique and vintage jewelry.
In 1980 the company was re-opened and handed to Lucien Piccard Industries-Pierre Cardin. Currently, the company produces jewelry under the label “Castlecliff Jewelry Div. of Lucien Piccard”.

Symbolic red and blue necklace made of metal the color of old gold, a little darkened by time, decorated with colored enamels.

Symbolic red and blue necklace made of metal the color of old gold, a little darkened by time, decorated with colored enamels. 1970s, made by cult designer Larry Vrba

Signature

Maker’s mark

1948 ad

1948 ad

Castlecliff vintage jewellery

Coral Reef Brooch. Gold tone, crystals, art glass

Coral Reef Brooch. Gold tone, crystals, art glass

Heart brooch. Textured gold tone, art glass, rhinestones, enamel

Heart brooch. Textured gold tone, art glass, rhinestones, enamel

Hippo gold tone art glass brooch

Hippo gold tone art glass brooch

Larry Vrba Castlecliff Aztec Sun brooch pendant

Larry Vrba Castlecliff Aztec Sun brooch pendant

Peacock Brooch. Sterling silver, enamel, rhinestone

Peacock Brooch. Sterling silver, enamel, rhinestone

1956 jewelry ad

1956 jewelry ad

Vintage brooch mushrooms. Castlecliff. 1960s

Mushrooms vintage brooch. 1960s

Castlecliff vintage brooch - layered, textured, with crystals and turquoise inlays of glass art

Vintage brooch – layered, textured, with crystals and turquoise inlays of glass art

Castlecliff rare vintage brooch - volumetric golden flower of unusual design, accented with crystals. 1960s

Volumetric golden flower of unusual design, accented with crystals. 1960s brooch

Castlecliff Vintage brooch Blue Tulip

Blue Tulip brooch

1953 ad

1953 ad

Castlecliff vintage brooch

Gorgeous vintage brooch

Castlecliff Vintage brooch Chicken with a cart

Chicken with a cart brooch pin

St Chapelle stained glass window charm bracelet jewelry ad. 1938

St Chapelle stained glass window charm bracelet jewelry ad. 1938

Castlecliff Heraldry vintage set. Vintage set brooch and clips, marked

Heraldry vintage set of brooch and clips

Castlecliff Large Podium necklace

Large Podium necklace

Castlecliff pea brooch

Pea brooch

1956 ad

1956 ad

Maker's mark

Maker’s mark