Coro Sterling Vermeil Jeweled Hand of Friendship

NWS 6-1540

~ One of Coro's most famous designers, Gene Verrecchia, designed this fur clip. It was named "Friendship", and the design was filed with the United States Patent Office, as you can see above, on August 2, 1944. Perhaps he was daydreaming about world peace when he designed this fur clip. Perhaps to him, it was emblematic of an extended hand of friendship, a symbolic gesture familiar to all cultures. 

At the top of the US Patent Filing, shown above, you see the name "A. Katz". Adolf Katz was the man who signed all patent filings for Coro during these years. I can't help but wonder what must have gone through Mr. Katz' mind when, four days after "Friendship" was filed, the United States of America dropped the world's first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, annihilating 140,000 people in the instant of a rhinestone's glimmer. Mr. Katz was a German Jew, and a refugee who fled Germany in the 1930's, leaving his family behind. Read his remarkable story (with photos) at Fabulous Facets here.

~ During World War II, costume jewelry designers were obliged to use sterling silver for their jewelry, as all other metals had been restricted for the war effort. Therefore, this solid sterling silver brooch has been plated with a soft gold vermeil.

~  The hand bears a ring with 4 faceted, faux diamond chatons, and an emerald-cut rhinestone at the center.

~ A the wrist is a lovely emerald-cut, faux amethyst depicting a bracelet, with several clear crystal baguettes at the sides.

~ This fur clip measures 2.5" long and .8" wide.

c. 1944, in good vintage condition, the original design included red enamel nail polish, but this has long since worn off. Some tarnish spots and minor loss to plating. Still lovely after all these years.

Research: M. Dolan, Collecting Rhinestone and Coloured Jewelry, p. 194. Brunialti, American Costume Jewelry, pp. 81-82. Advertised in "Mademoiselle" magazine, Oct., 1945, as 'Friendship'.

Price = $125.00on Hold clips 2, a-c

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