Monet vintage costume jewellery

Monet vintage costume jewellery
The history of Monet jewelry began in 1927, when Russian-Jewish immigrants Michael and Joseph Chernow founded their own company in Providence Rhode Island. They named the company Monocraft Products Co. Under this name the Chernow brothers worked for ten years, although they created the first jewelry in 1929. Initially, the company’s craftsmen made gilded monograms and ornaments for handbags.
It is impossible to tell exactly what motivated the founders to name their jewelry brand Monet. Perhaps, they loved the works of Impressionist painters Edouard Manet and Claude Monet. Noteworthy, Jewelry from the Chernov brothers branded «Monet» first appeared in 1937. Considered classics today, Monet occupies a prominent position among the world’s most illustrious fashion houses.

Innovative company, Monet filed for patenting of several revolutionary inventions relating to the technical side of fashion jewelry. For example, they have developed the familiar today jewelry for pierced ears not like clips. In addition, traditional Monet earrings got new types of locks. Also, the company patented clasp for necklace, known as “barrel”.

Monet vintage costume jewellery

Traditionally, masters used gold, sterling silver and metal alloys using special technology, invented by them to create a flawless coverage of gold and silver. Textured metals, inlays and metallic lace became the hallmark of the brand Monet. In addition, they used high quality Swarovski crystals and art glass imitating precious stones. However, their early pieces were made of gold or silver without any encrustations.

In 1969, the company brand was acquired by General Mills. It is from this time Monet began actively to use crystals. Under the leadership of General Mills, Monet, in cooperation with Yves Saint Laurent released a special collection in 1980.

Since 1984, the company had gone through changes and renewals. Finally, in 2000, one of the largest US corporations Liz Claiborne, Inc. bought the company. Anyway, produced before 1979 Monet jewelry pieces have a highest collection value.

Monet vintage costume jewellery