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.
Lady in a hat, vintage brooch. Lucite, Silk Flowers, Ceramic
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
Pink Flower brooch. Wood, lucite, before 1950
African Drummer Boy Ceramic Brooch With Wood and Leather Drum
African mask brooch. Wood carving, hand painted, lucite. 1940s
Brunette woman hand painted ceramic brooch from the series Fashion victims
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
Cosmos Brooch. copper-plated copper alloy, lining – ceramics with emerald green glaze
Eagle brooch. Wood and lucite
Exotic brooch from the ‘Victim of fashion’ series
Fashion Victim Figural Brooch. Wood carving, hand painted. 1940s
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
Green and orange ceramic and lucite flower brooch. 1940s
Handpainted ceramic brooch from the series Fashion victims
Native American Indian brooch, hand painted ceramic, metal back
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
Retro hand painted ceramic brooch from the series Fashion victims
Tibetan face brooch. Handpainted blue, aqua, and maroon colors
Tribal face brooch. Carved wood, hand painted, a lucite piece at the top and a blue-green trim around the neck. 1940s
Unique vintage brooch from the ‘Victim of fashion’ series
Yellow fish brooch. Lucite, ceramics. 1940s