Elzac California vintage costume jewellery

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.

Elzac California jewellery
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
Brooch from the series ‘Victim of Fashion’, book piece. Ceramic face, felt, pearl
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. Handmade brooch. Wood, leather, metal. 3 cm. 1940s
Pink Flower brooch. Wood, lucite, before 1950
Pink Flower brooch. Wood, lucite, before 1950
African Drummer Boy Ceramic Brooch With Wood and Leather Drum
Drummer Boy Ceramic Brooch. Wood, leather
African mask brooch. Wood carving, handpainted, lucite. 1940s
African mask brooch. Wood carving, lucite. 1940s
Brunette woman handpainted ceramic brooch from the series Fashion victims
Brunette woman ceramic brooch 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
‘Victim of fashion’ brooch, 1940s. Ceramic, fabric, mother of pearl, wood, metal
Cosmos Brooch. copper-plated copper alloy, lining - ceramics with emerald green glaze
Cosmos Brooch. Copper-plated, ceramics, glaze
Eagle brooch. Wood and lucite
Eagle brooch. Wood and lucite
Exotic brooch from the 'Victim of fashion' series
Brooch from the ‘Victim of fashion’ series
Fashion Victim Figural Brooch. Wood carving, handpainted. 1940s
Fashion Victim Figural Brooch. Wood carving. 1940s
Gold-plated sterling brooch,1945. Lucite and blue rhinestones eyes, depicting a penguin wearing a beret, bow tie and spectacles. 5.5x3.5cm. Marked Sterling
Penguin brooch. Gold-plated, sterling, lucite, rhinestones. 5.5 cm. 1945
Green and orange ceramic and lucite flower brooch. 1940s
Ceramic and lucite flower brooch. 1940s
Handpainted ceramic brooch from the series Fashion victims
Brooch from the series Fashion victims
Native American Indian brooch, handpainted ceramic, metal back
Native American Indian brooch, 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. 6x4.2cm. Marked Sterling
Owl on branch brooch, 1945. Gold-plated, sterling, carved lucite and green cabochons. 6 cm
Retro handpainted ceramic brooch from the series Fashion victims
Ceramic brooch from the series Fashion victims
Tibetan face brooch. Handpainted blue, aqua, and maroon colors
Tibetan face brooch
Tribal face brooch. Carved wood, hand painted, a lucite piece at the top and a blue-green trim around the neck. 1940s
Tribal face brooch. Carved wood, lucite. 1940s
Unique vintage brooch from the 'Victim of fashion' series
Brooch from the ‘Victim of fashion’ series
Yellow fish brooch. Lucite, ceramics. 1940s
Yellow fish brooch. Lucite, ceramics. 1940s
1946 ad
1946 ad

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