Elzac California vintage costume jewellery

Collectible rare brooch created in 1940. Lucite, ceramics, leather, 9,5 см. From the series of brooches “Fashion victim”. Elzac California vintage costume jewellery
Elzac California vintage costume jewellery
Very extraordinary, bright, unusual and large, Elzac Jewelry is a rarity in the market of vintage jewelry. Headquartered in Los Angeles, this company used innovative materials such as ceramic, lucite, fur, feathers, cloth, and wood in unusual, whimsical ways.
Eliot and Ruth Handler, alongside with their partner Zachary Zemby founded their company Elzac (Eliot + Zachary) in 1940. The demand for costume jewelry was high, and it was an ideal time for for such an innovative jewelry designs. Noteworthy, Eliot jewelers constructed and finished their decorations entirely by hand.
Already in 1941 their products achieved great success and popularity over the next several years. It was during this period when more conventional jewelry materials were in short supply. Meanwhile, in 1943 the company launched the “Black Magic” line with beautiful decorations made from black plexiglas.
Unfortunately, the popularity of Elzac’s style of jewelry waned rapidly after the war, and the company stopped production in 1947.
Elzac California vintage costume jewellery

Josephine Baker handmade brooch. Wood, leather, metal. 3 cm. 1940s. The world famous African American dancer Josephine Baker (1906-1975) inspired the designer to create this little masterpiece

Ceramic brooch from the series ‘Victim of fashion’, 1940s. Ceramic face, fabric hat with mother of pearl accent. Wood backing with a metal pin assembly

Gold-plated sterling brooch,1945. Lucite and blue rhinestones eyes, depicting a penguin wearing a beret, bow tie and spectacles. 5.5×3.5cm. Marked Sterling

Owl brooch, 1945. Manufacturer Elzac California Jewelry & Gift Ware. Gold-plated sterling brooch, carved lucite and green cabochons, depicting an owl on a branch. 6×4.2cm. Marked Sterling