Posted 10 years ago
mikelv85
(1230 items)
I was really hoping this incredible piece would be gone today when I went to GW. I didn't want it to tempt me into spending so much, but...... it wasn't.... so here it is. I looked at it yesterday and balked at the price because someone did a very bad job of repairing it. Two of the articulated links closest to the snakes head have been fused together by a long blob of common solder and some other odd gummy substance. It's heat darkened the gold surface and turned some of the clear stones dark. I think one is even missing but it's hard to tell. Not sure what the materials are. I think it could be a gold plated base metal with semi-precious chrysoprase stones and rhinestones. Since it's high end costume jewelry. It is marked on the clasp and is barely visible. It says "Germany" 67' Grosse. I needed a magnifying glass and glasses to be able to read it. I'm sure it could be repaired correctly but would probably cost a bit to have it done. Henkel and Grosse' are a very high quality costume jewelry maker that started business in Pforzheim Germany in 1907. They began making pieces for Christian Dior in 1955. I took it over to Salvation Army to show Jean their production dept. manger. She said "What a great find ! I can see why you had to buy it" Grosse is very good jewelry" So I feel confident that I didn't waste my money. Can't find anything like it online. So I'm not sure of the value and how much the damage would affect that. So if anyone knows more about this I'd love to know. -Mike-
Henkel and Grosse History
Excerpts from the book:
"100 Years of Passion for Grosse and Bijoux Christian Dior: Henkel & Grosse Jewellery" by Vivienne Becker
The jewelry firm Suddeutsche Gold und Haar-Bijourterie, founded in 1907 by Heinrich Henkel and Florentin Grosse, experienced after World War I it's first successes with costume jewelry. Jewelry made of bronze, aluminium, wood, bakelite and galalite. A decade later they were working together with the fashion labels Lanvin and Schiaparelli in Paris as well as with Harrods in London and Saks in New York. In 1955 Henkel & Grosse started its cooperation with Christian Dior (1905-57) in Paris and were licensed as the sole producers and distributors of Dior jewelery. In connection with its own designs, however, the company always maintained its independence. As of the 1960s they expanded their portfolio to include 'Grosse Bijoux', 'Grosse Sterling' and 'Grosse Gold', with fashion always dictating the design. Their products were designed and produced in Pforzheim Germany and in the US, later also in Asia. The Dior and Grosse trademark, which every piece carries, stands for modern design and technical innovation. In 2006 the family withdrew from the business and the firm became part of the Dior group.
Beautiful!!