Kaleidoscope effect

Maple leaf brooch and earrings. White and yellow enamel on copper. Mid-1950s. Renoir-Matisse jewellery (1946 – 1964)

Renoir-Matisse jewellery
The history of Renoir-Matisse jewellery lasted for two decades, from the 1946 to 1964. Jerry Fels began his career in the company “Sceptron Jewelry” in 1944, where he worked on the creation of original costume jewelry.
He had just finished his teaching in the National Academy of Art and, without hesitation, launched a private company – Renoir of California Inc. in his hometown – Los Angeles. Originally, he specialized in the production of exquisite jewelry from copper. Why copper? This is because in 1930-1950 copper was an extremely popular metal among jewelers – fans of Arts & Crafts Style.
Each product of Renoir-Matisse jewellery shows boundless enthusiasm and imagination of the master, his impeccable choice of shapes and colors, combined with gentleness and style. All his ideas he found in the abstract, nature and geometric figures – clear and poly-lines, or floral motifs.

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Brooch and clips set. Gold plated metal alloy, art glass, enamel. Sandor vintage costume jewelry

Sandor vintage costume jewelry
The history of American brand Sandor began in 1938, when Sandor Goldberger founded it. Characteristic of his decorations – pastel flowers in a frame made of silver, decorated with enamel and rhinestone. In addition, he produced the figurines, which are now rare. Unfortunately, the company ceased its operation in 1972. Undoubtedly, Sandor Collectible Jewellery show original design and high craftsmanship. Most of the pieces released in 1939 had marking “Sandor”, but since 1940 “Sandor Goldberger”.
Noteworthy, Goldberger attempted to make his decorations look like real jewel ornaments. Therefore, often produced in silver and the company masters tried to hide the less noble metals under a layer of gold. In addition, in the production of Sandor jewelry often used black (or “Japanese”) coating, which in addition to aesthetic, served a practical function. In particular, to avoid rust on metal they covered it with a patina.

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Cate Blanchett in Tiffany & Co. 2016 Golden Globe Awards jewellery

2016 Golden Globe Awards jewellery
Most guests at the event choose diamond jewelry in the classical frame of white gold or platinum. Even the house Bulgari, known for its tradition of using colored stones, showed jewelry in the spirit of timeless classics.
Nominee in the category “Best Actress in a Drama film” Cate Blanchett has appeared on the red carpet in jewelry by US house Tiffany & Co. She wore vintage earrings in platinum with pearls and diamonds (1915), a platinum bracelet with diamonds, and ring with large diamonds by Tiffany Soleste.
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The pride of Panamanian women, Traditional headwear Tembleque

Traditional headwear Tembleque
A part of folk dress, Pollera – the pride of Panamanian women. The cost of this traditional dress, known since the time of the colonization by the conquistadors, today reaches several thousand dollars. Even more expensive is the complete folk dress with jewellery decorations (peinetas), pearl beads, and a special headwear (Tembleques). Made of gold and pearls, their price can reach up to 15 000 dollars.
Besides, the hair of beauties – decorated with tortoise shell combs with a gold plate complemented with pearl flowers and two dozen of gold pins, one of which resembles a dagger.
Also, no less complex are several rows of hanging accessories “duck tails”, “orange slices”, or “solomons” – twisted chain. It is reminiscent of the column, supposed to have been at the Temple of Solomon.
Meanwhile, the girls don’t miss a chance to show such expensive outfit at every opportunity. And one of them – the January parade of pollera where the participants select main beauty. Her decorations complement another gold jewelry – a crown.
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Vintage ads featuring Large rings by the company. Marvella costume jewellery

Marvella costume jewellery
The history of iconic jewelry brand Marvella spans more than hundred years. Founded in 1911 in Philadelphia, Jewellery company Weinrich Bros. Co. produced exquisite jewellery. Weinrich Brothers, the founders of the company, to designate outstanding decorations used marking Marvella (trademark), and, later, in 1965, the company itself was renamed to “Marvella, Inc.” The company opened subsidiaries many times. In the 1950s the company developed a wide production of jewelry made of artificial pearls of excellent quality under the brand name «Marvella Pearls, Inc.». However, the signature was often modified, using different fonts, in the box, and, later, in a circle, etc. Anyway, the name Marvella was always present in one of the three inscriptions – Marvella, Marvell, or Marvellesk.
In 1965, the brothers Weinrich specialized in making copies of jewellery with artificial pearls. Necklaces made of multiple strands of glass beads and artificial pearls, interspersed with rock crystal.
The many changes in the company’s hallmark had a lot of pluses for collectors, as this greatly simplifies the dating of ornaments. Throughout its existence, the company actively produced posters that collectors also use for these purposes.
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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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Meryl Streep in Hancock’s & Co necklace. Gold, coral, turquoise, moonstone. 1870. The Devil Wears Prada, 2006. What Jewellery celebrities wear

What Jewellery celebrities wear

Cleopatra’s necklace of 1870 belonged to Lillie Langtry (1853 – 1929), the famous English actress. It was a gift from the Prince of Wales, Edward VII, who was her lover. Lily wore this necklace when she played Cleopatra. The decoration appeared at the Bonhams auction in London in 2003, purchased by London retail jeweler for a record price of £ 20,000 (approximately $ 33,200). In 2006, Meryl Streep wore this necklace when she played Miranda Priestly in the movie “The Devil Wears Prada.” In 2009, it was sold at Christie’s auction in New York for $ 44,000.
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