Ancient gold butterfly brooch. Jewelry alloy, glass. 1950s. 4 cm. Signed West Germany vintage costume jewelry
West Germany vintage costume jewelry
Made in the 1930s-60s, West German jewelry – exquisite works of art, created in the Victorian era stye. Traditionally, German jewelers used a variety of materials. In particular, silver and gold tone metal, rhodium, brass, chrome, multicolor rhinestones, and enamel of various colors. Also, art glass imitating turquoise, amethyst, opal, emerald, ruby, topaz, and pearls.
To date, the name of the designers and exact location of the manufacturers remains a mystery, while these pieces are becoming more difficult to find.
Initially, for all jewelry made in Germany before 1949, makers simply used “Germany” label. As we know, in 1949, Germany was divided into two parts, West and East Germany. Successful in the jewelry art, West German masters began marking their products “Western Germany” or “West Germany”, and sometimes “W. Germany”, or “Made in West Germany”.
Traditionally, European jewelry makers signed their decorations with the name of the country. Therefore, we can determine jewelry from Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Italy, etc. Unlike American colleagues, European jewelers preferred not to advertise their products in fashion magazines. So, you will not see W.Germany jewelry advertising posters. Noteworthy, in 1990, after the reunification of East and West Germany, W.Germany jewelry ceased to appear on sale. Accordingly, it is instantly becoming a collectible rarity.
Gorgeous gold tone filigree portrait brooch. 5 cm
Traditionally, the design included the theme of cameos, so popular for many centuries. Cameo brooches, pendants, necklaces and clips – beautifully framed in delicate golden laces.
Maker’s mark
West Germany vintage costume jewelry
Violet flower brooch. Gold tone, enamel, resin, crystals. 5.5 cm1940s brooch. Faux pearls, porcelain insert, floral motif. 5×4 cm1950s brooch made of brass, gold plated, Swarovski crystals, enamel. 4.6 cmAurora borealis crystal and mother of pearl flower brooch. 1950sCameo brooch. 1950s. Hematite, filigree, faux pearls, Austrian crystals. 4.5 cmBird brooch, gold tone metal, black plasticBlackamoor lady brooch. 1960s. Gold finish, black enamel. 5 cmClear lucite star flower broochWhite flowers brooch. Lucite, gold tone, rhinestonesScotty dog brooch of gold tone, black plasticEdelweiss brooch, 1930-40s, 4 cmFaux pearl lapis glass cabochon dangle brooch pendantFiligree gold tone swirl broochFish brooch. Marcasite gold tone jewelry alloyFive petal hand-painted floral pattern flower pinFly pin of gold tone, black plasticFolk motif floral pattern handpainted enameled flower pinGeometric bow gold tone broochGold tone flower brooch. 6.5 cmGreen and yellow butterfly handpainted enameled broochGreen accent brooch. Glass cabochons, crystals, gold tone. 6 cm‘Jane’ portrait oval brooch. Gold tone, faux pearls. 5 cmKitten gold tone black plastic pinLapis lazuli brooch. Gold tone, blue oval cabochons, turquoise beads. 1960s. 5 cmCrystal brooch. 1950s. 6 cmOrange flower brooch. Gold tone, enamelPink violet flower brooch. 5 cm. Gold tone, resin, enamelRose brooch and clips. 1950s. Gold tone, filigree, handpainted. 5 cmSilver tone metal faux pearl swirl brooch. 5 cmSnail gold tone black plastic pinFuchsia clips. Bronze tone, pink crystals, rhinestones. 2.3 cmSprig-Aqua brooch. Bronze tone, blue glass crystals. 6.5 cm. 1930sTurtle gold tone, black plastic pinMaker’s mark