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Expert in vintage costume jewelry from the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s & 1950s

Crescent earrings w/gemstones by De Rosa
Acrostic earrings by De Rosa
Earring backs
"STERLING" mark on ear clip
Maker's mark on earring

Gemstone Crescent Earrings by De Rosa

$295.00

MAKER: Ralph De Rosa

SIZE: 1" x 5/8"

CONDITION: Excellent (minor wear on back)

DATE: c.1949

MARKS: "R.DEROSA" on rim and "STERLING PAT PEND" on clips

REFERENCE: "Women's Wear Daily", September 9, 1949

These crescent earrings with gemstone-colored glass stones were made by Ralph De Rosa. The gems are graduated in size and enhanced with an inner ring of diamantés. The variety of colors makes these ear clips very versatile. Moreover, the faux diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald, sapphire and topaz form the word dearest, making these earrings acrostic (i.e., the initials of the stones form a word or name). This type of sentimental jewelry was very popular in the 19th century Victorian era, a style that inspired some 1940s jewelry designers. De Rosa created a Dearest series, which included brooches, in 1949. This maker’s pieces are always exceptionally well-made and hard-to-find. A pair of clip cushions is included with this purchase.

FREE SHIPPING to the United States and Canada

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Gemstone Crescent Earrings by De Rosa

$295.00 USD
Why Buy Vintage Costume Jewelry?

One reason is that it’s environmentally friendly. Resale fashion and vintage jewelry has become a preferred sustainable and affordable shopping choice by today’s discerning fashion and eco-conscious consumer.

Another major reason is the quality. Although vintage costume jewelry was made for all levels of the marketplace – from dime stores to high-end fashion boutiques and jewelry stores – you will find only the best pieces here. They were well-designed and carefully made to last. The manufacturers represented here used only the finest materials – glass stones and beads from Bohemia, Austria, and France, and faux pearls from France and Japan. Settings were primarily sterling silver, gold-filled, or base metals heavily plated with gold, silver, or rhodium. Stones were hand-set, and pieces were hand-finished.

The northeastern part of the U.S. was the center of the industry, with the largest companies located in Providence, Rhode Island by the end of World War II. During the Depression, the quality of costume pieces climbed to new levels when many jewelers and craftsmen had to switch to this segment of the industry. In addition, it attracted many skilled workers who fled the political situation in Europe for the U.S. For these reasons, designs and manufacturing techniques rivaled those employed in the making of fine jewelry.

A third reason to buy costume jewelry is its uniqueness. Having survived for so many decades in such wonderful condition and having been selected for their aesthetic quality, the pieces you’ll find here are unlikely to be found elsewhere.

True vs Fake - how to shop vintage costume jewelry with confidence

Barbara Schwartz, a noted costume jewelry historian, is the author of "True vs Fake" , an in-depth blog series providing examples of how vintage costume jewelry can be accurately attributed. She also shares tips on how to avoid being duped into buying misidentified vintage costume jewelry.