Red Cardinal bird on a pine branch vintage brooch, created according to the works of art from the museum collections. Gold tone, gilding, enamel, rhinestones. 6 cm. Smithsonian Institution vintage costume jewelry
Smithsonian Institution vintage costume jewelry
The history of Smithsonian jewelry, inspired by museum collection pieces began in the late 1960s. The costume jewelry marked SI, which appeared before the 1970s, boasts a wide variety of stylistic solutions inspired by priceless exhibits. Noteworthy, each piece is made by hand by skillful craftsmen with the use of gold and silver tone alloys, rhinestones and art glass imitating natural stones. Also, the makers provided a short story or information about the original item which served served as the prototype.
SI marked handcrafted decorations are highly collectible.
Mary Todd bracelet. Inspired by the invaluable treasure of the Smithsonian Institute – an exquisite bracelet watch owned by Mary Ann Todd Lincoln – the wife of the 16th US President Abraham Lincoln. Metal alloy, crystals, enamelToy horse gold tone vintage brooch based on the 1962 Christmas stamps. 4 cm. 1996. Marked Smithsonian AVONMaker’s markCat brooch. Gold tone, faux pearl. 4.5 cm. 1980s. Inspired by the ‘Kittens’ series from mid-19th century color lithography at the National Museum of American History. Marked SIGreen ribbon and buckle brooch. Gold tone, enamel, crystals, glass. 4.5 cm. 1990sUS flag brooch. Gold tone, white, blue, red enamelSwallow vintage brooch. Silver tone, rhinestonesSteam train brooch. 1996. Gold tone, enamel, rhinestonesAngel Christmas brooch. Gold tone, enamelThree birds on a branch vintage brooch. Metal alloy, enamel. 7 cmVictorian hearts brooch. Gold tone, glass, crystals. 4.5 cmMaker’s mark
