Elzac California vintage costume jewellery
Large 9,5 см brooch from the series Fashion victim. 1940s. Elzac California jewellery
Elzac California vintage costume jewellery
The history of Elzac jewelry began in 1940 when Eliot and Ruth Handler, alongside with their partner Zachary Zemby, founded their company Elzac (Eliot + Zachary). Headquartered in Los Angeles, the company used innovative materials such as ceramic, lucite, fur, feathers, cloth, and wood in unusual, whimsical ways. Incorporated in 1940, Elzac California Jewelry & Gift Ware ceased to exist in 1947.
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 design waned rapidly after the war, and the company stopped production.
Lady in a hat brooch. Lucite, Silk Flowers, Ceramic
Elzac California vintage costume jewellery
Brooch from the series ‘Victim of Fashion’, book piece. Ceramic face, felt, pearl
The world famous African American dancer Josephine Baker (1906-1975) inspired the designer to create this little masterpiece. Handmade brooch. Wood, leather, metal. 3 cm. 1940s
Pink Flower brooch. Wood, lucite, before 1950
Drummer Boy Ceramic Brooch. Wood, leather
African mask brooch. Wood carving, lucite. 1940s
Brunette woman ceramic brooch Fashion victims
‘Victim of fashion’ brooch, 1940s. Ceramic, fabric, mother of pearl, wood, metal
Cosmos Brooch. Copper-plated, ceramics, glaze
Eagle brooch. Wood and lucite
Brooch from the ‘Victim of fashion’ series
Fashion Victim Figural Brooch. Wood carving. 1940s
Penguin brooch. Gold-plated, sterling, lucite, rhinestones. 5.5 cm. 1945
Ceramic and lucite flower brooch. 1940s
Brooch from the series Fashion victims
Native American Indian brooch, ceramic, metal back
Owl on branch brooch, 1945. Gold-plated, sterling, carved lucite and green cabochons. 6 cm
Ceramic brooch from the series Fashion victims
Tibetan face brooch
Tribal face brooch. Carved wood, lucite. 1940s
Brooch from the ‘Victim of fashion’ series
Yellow fish brooch. Lucite, ceramics. 1940s
1946 ad
