Mid-Century Pink Costume Rhinestone Lavaliere Necklace
Decorative art, jewelry, costume necklace • Unsigned; likely manufactured by a commercial costume jewelry company of the era (common examples include Coro, Trifari, or Weiss, though without a mark, it is categorized as 'unsigned beauty')
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Retro, Costume Jewelry
Medium & Technique
Silver-tone base metal (likely rhodium-plated brass or pot metal) with prong-set faceted glass rhinestones (pink and aurora borealis) featuring a hook and eye closure
Creation Period
Circa 1950s - 1960s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 15 - 16 inches in circumference (choker length), circular format
Subject Description
A graduated fringe or lavaliere style necklace consisting of a single strand of small pink rhinestones terminating in a central drop section with nine larger round-cut pink rhinestone dangles accented by iridescent aurora borealis stones
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible signs of age including tarnishing of the metal and some dulling of the glass stones
Estimated Market Value
USD 25.00 - USD 55.00
Auction Estimate
USD 15.00 - USD 40.00
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired through secondary market vintage sales or inherited family collection
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the post-WWII democratization of luxury, where costume jewelry allowed women of all classes to emulate Hollywood glamour and 'high jewelry' looks through mass-produced affordable materials
Notable Features
Includes aurora borealis (AB) coated stones, a coating invented by Swarovski in 1955 which helps date the piece to the late 1950s or early 1960s
Condition Issues
Verdigris / metal oxidation visible on the metal links; potential 'dead' stones (foiling degradation); slight bend in the hook closure
Conservation Recommendations
Gently clean with a dry soft cloth; avoid immersion in water to prevent foil damage; store in a dry environment in a padded box; avoid contact with perfumes or hairspray