Posted 5 years ago
mikelv85
(1156 items)
I decided to go to Volunteer's of America today even though it was a few days after the end of the month sale. They are usually picked over and it takes a while to restock. Today they were working on the jewelry cases and putting in new items. I noticed this incredibly large 4 " piece and asked to see it. It felt heavy so I knew it wasn't plastic. The green tag today also meant half price ! The red glass has an iridescent gold silver cast to the edge of the flat oval beads. At first I thought there were set in metal frames. They are drilled through and linked to the filigree mounted pearls to form seven beautiful drops that hang from the central pearl cluster. The center red stone has an interesting cut that leaves a bit of iridescence showing. One of the large center pearls has peeled and has lost most of it's coating so it appears to have some age to it. The back is a solid flat gold disc about the size of a quater. I wouldn't be surprised if it was gold plated. They are no marks anywhere. I know it's a very good maker just not sure who yet. Research hasn't turned up anything so far. -Mike-
There's a statement piece!
Thanks Bonnie...I think so too :)
Thanks Ken for the "love" and compliment. Hobe is not someone I've heard of. I'll have to check some of their pieces out. :)
Very pretty brooch. Haven't seen this exact item but looks to be very good quality.
I just got my copy of the Gems of Costume Jewelry! I love it - thanks for sharing it. I bought it from half.com (ebay) and it actually came from the Goodwill in San Jose, CA. I'm saying it here friends, if I die please remind my nieces that I want my research books to go libraries first. :) This book is in excellent condition and it was a very good price. I am enjoying looking at it right now!
Wow - this brooch sure attracts attention.
I particularly love the way the pearls have been placed around the central stone, and the ABs have been left for below only. Even just the main medallion section of this brooch is fantastic, let alone adding 7 (7!, not 5, or 6) drops.
Thanks Val and Karen :) ...this piece really made my day. It's always slim pickings this time of year.
@ Val... You're welcome Val . Now that you actually have it in front of you I bet you can't put it down. Interesting that it's changed hands so many times and still remained in excellent condition. Is it a 1st edition ? I think all the English copies are as the original was in German.
@ Karen.... This one seems to be made for and worn "front and center" if you know what I mean...lol . I think it would look awkward anywhere else. All those dangles would get tangled Surprised it didn't have a bale to be worn as a pendant too.
Beautiful!!!
Thanks so much Sean :)
LOVE IT!
Hi Mike - mine is not perfect - a few pages only have photos and no descriptions and a few are in Italian (for example the Marilyn Monroe pages). No matter but I am curious about the 3 gorgeous hinged bracelets proceeding MM's page - no descriptions. Mine is the 1991 Abbeville Press edition. Love this book though!
Thank you freiheit :)
Hi Val...sounds like you have a Euro edition. In my book the bangle bracelets are in the middle of the Marilyn chapter. They just have the dates except for the last one. The amethyst one is 1940, the multi colored stone one is 1930, and the one with the pointed ends is 1955 and signed Hobe'. :)
Yes, Abbeville Press first edition translated 1991. Thanks for telling me, I put a post-it note right now on the clampers page. I love this book and plan to dig out my rhinestones to post soon.
You're welcome Val :)