Rare brooch ‘The Black Prince’. Made by the famous British jewellery brand Askew London

British jewellery brand Askew London
Blackamoor designs were incredibly popular in the Middle Ages in Europe. For example, on the table of great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin stood a statue of black African as a reminder of his glorious ancestors … And to this day, such decorations remain popular. Despite globalization, they have not lost a veil of mystery and exoticism.
Opened in 1979 in the suburbs of London under the direction of Ms. Susan Askew, it became a small family enterprise for the production of jewelry (mainly necklaces).
Traditionally, Askew jewelers handcrafted jewelry from brass and alloys containing copper. Further decorations included gold (24 carats) or silver-plated. For cabochons used mainly old semi-precious stones, as well as Japanese art glass of the highest quality.
Noteworthy, the company exists to this day, producing limited edition jewelry. Among fans of Askew London are representatives of British Bohemia – Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, Victoria Beckham and others.
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‘Fortune teller’ brooch from the series ‘Gene of Fortune’. Bronze, enamel, lucite, crystals, rhinestones. 1955. Signed HAR vintage costume jewellery

Signed HAR vintage costume jewellery
The history of Har jewelry spans a short period of little more than a decade, founded by Hargo Creations in the 1955 in New York. Initially, it was a family business of Joseph Heibronner and Edith Levitt, a husband and wife since 1952. Unfortunately, the company ceased to exist due to the death of Joseph in August of 1968.
Noteworthy, HAR Jewellery produced various collections which became incredibly popular among collectors of vintage costume jewellery worldwide. In particular, “Cobra,” “Laughing Chinese”, “dragon’s teeth”, etc.
The company produced costume jewellery in limited quantities, and their designs include exotic scenes and colors. Characteristic signs – green enamel, inlaid with “fantastic” stones.
Every year these decorations are increasingly difficult to find. Of course, any information about the history of HAR jewelry increases its cost.
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Marlene Dietrich wearing bracelet – diamond, platinum and gold ‘Lily’. Verdura high jewellery

Verdura high jewellery
The history of Verdura jewelry trademark began in 1939 and continues to this day, with the changes of owners, ups and downs. The last owner of Verdura jewelry trademark was E. J. Landrigan, Inc. (since 1980s).
The original founder of the brand was Fulco di Verdura (20 March 1898 – 15 August 1978), the great Italian jeweler and artist. His most important step was the collaboration with Coco Chanel, and later, in the 1940s – with Salvador Dali.
Since 1973, the jewelry brand continued the tradition without the participation of its founder.
Born in 1898 in Palermo, Sicily, into a noble aristocratic family, Fulco di Verdura was surrounded by luxury, elegance and beauty. Works of art and antiques of the family estate, natural beauty of the island of Sicily and the azure sea have greatly contributed to the formation of the aesthetic and creative vision of the future jeweler.
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Gold tone modernistic brooch Man in the moon, rhinestone eyes, 1960s. Jeanne Vintage Jewellery

Jeanne Vintage Jewellery
The history of Jeanne jewelry trademark began more than one hundred years ago in New York. According to Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office, the company began its activity in October 1919, as a manufacturer of pearl goods. Today, Jeanne costume jewelry pieces are rare and highly valued among the collectors of antique.

Born September 6, 1888, the future brand’s founder American jeweler Mark Dottenheim grew up in the family of Simon Dottenheim and Jennie Ullman. Mark founded his jewellery company in 1919. Labeled “Jeanne @”, his brooches, pins, earrings, and pendants have very interesting design. Mostly, it includes classic bow pins, maltese crosses, figurines of animals, insects, and plants. Besides, with carefully executed detailing and the use of high quality materials. And as a result – well preserved. As most of costume jewellery designers of the time, he made his decorations from metal alloy with gold plating. Also, enamel, rhinestones, faux pearls, and crystals.
Mark Dottenheim died on January 14, 1960 in New York, the same place where he was born and had lived all his life. Unfortunately, the company ceased to exist after the death of its founder.
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Vintage brooch Housewife. Large brooch with moving spoon legs in high heels. 1990s. Carrette by Ganz Vintage jewellery

Ganz Vintage jewellery
The history of Canadian Jewelry company Ganz began in 1950s. Founded by Holocaust survivors Samuel Ganz and his sons Jack and Sam Ganz, “Ganz Bros.Toys” was a family business located in Woodbridge, Ontario. Today, headed by Samuel’s grandson Howard Ganz the company produces collectibles, seasonal gifts and home decor of the highest quality, sold in Canada and throughout the United States.
Classic styles and designs with a refined, elegant look are characteristic for Ganz decorations. Among them -beautiful charms, brooches, pins, pendants, and bracelets. Most jewelry pieces resemble amulets for good luck, protecting their hosts from trouble.
Noteworthy, present day company is better known for distributing plush animals, home decor, Christmas decorations and collectibles.
According to the marking, many artists and designers collaborated with Ganz. Among them, in particular, was Canadian maker Carrette, which made jewelry for Ganz from late 1980s to 1990s.
Also, Susan Paley, who currently lives in Pacific Palisades, California. She designed a series of fancy lady ceramic brooches, pins and vases for the Ganz company in the 1990s. These handpainted pins are highly collectible now.
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Vintage brooch of rhinestones. Eugene costume jewelry, 1950 US

Eugene vintage costume jewelry
The history of Eugene jewelry trademark lasted for a decade, from 1952 to 1962. Collectible and rare high quality handcrafted Eugene jewelry can be compared to Haskell jewelry.
Eugene’s father, August Schultz, emigrated to New York before the First World War. August was the doctor of chemical sciences, working in Bayer aspirin. He and his wife had two sons, Charles and Eugene. Born in 1911 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Eugene was the eldest child in the family. His brother Carl was born two years later. In 1916 the family moved to New Jersey. Eugene’s mother, Elizabeth Duvall Schultz was one of the first successful female real estate agents in New Jersey.
Eugene graduated from the School of Design and worked as costume designer for Broadway shows in the 20s-30s. In the 30s, Eugene worked at Cartier on handmade Christmas greeting cards.
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Rose brooch. Metal alloy, green art glass, rhinestones. 1950s. Mazer Brothers and Jomaz jewellery

Mazer Brothers and Jomaz jewellery
The history of New York City based brand Jomaz began in 1927 and ended in 1981. His decorations Joseph Mazer marked with a complete name Joseph Mazer, or reduced to Mazer. Highly appreciated by collectors, due to their high quality, many Mazer works have reached us almost intact. In addition, Mazer masterfully worked with rhinestones. A specially treated glass and crystal, played better than diamonds. Made of high quality materials, Jomaz jewellery is an excellent investment for collectors.
Founded by Joseph and Louis Mazer, the company earned a reputation for producing good quality and affordable copies of high jewellery. Early works, most of which were made by Marcel Boucher before the opening of Jomaz company. Jomaz high quality products of 1930-1940-ies – flower and plant motifs, or in the form of bows and ribbons, adorned with artificial pearls and the best Austrian rock crystal. Made of sterling silver, or gold coated, necklaces for cocktail dresses, bracelets, earrings, brooches and double brooches in the form of crowns reflect the exquisite design line.
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