Coro Sterling Vermeil Angelfish Duette

NWS 15-1461

~ Coro Duettes are highly prized by collectors! This gorgeous Duette can be worn as one knock-out brooch, or it can be separated into two brooches/fur clips. The ingenious mechanism in the back that holds them together was invented by Coro in the 1930's, and they became famous for their Duettes. Though Trifari followed suit with the introduction of "Clip Mates", no other company  ever came close to matching the fantastic Duettes of Coro. They cornered the market then, and they still do today, in terms of their collectability and charm.

~ The competition between Trifari and Coro reached a fevered pitch. Trifari reaped ideas from Coro, and vice versa. This Coro Angelfish Duette is an outstanding example. Though the Duette was invented by Coro, the " jelly belly" was invented by Trifari. This fierce competition between all costume jewelers lead to the famous patent wars of the 1930's and 1940's. It wasn't until Trifari launched a lawsuit on patent infringement that a new law was passed in 1948 which protected designs by their designers. Thereafter, you will rarely find any patent info on the backs of costume jewelry, because filing patents was no longer necessary. This was a landmark court case, which ruling effected the entire industry. Note however, that in the Coro Duette, Coro has copied Alfred Philippe's (Trifari designer) jelly belly innovation! Like Coke and Pepsi, the rivalry continued for decades.

~ The Angelfish here are made of vermeil. and dozens of faceted, clear crystals, which outline the fins, their tails and their faces. Their jelly belly (Lucite) bodies are sprinkled with 6 more faux diamonds each.

~ One faceted, faux ruby marks their eyes, and their open mouths each contain a perfect, oval aquamarine crystal.

~ When the brooch is together in one piece, it measures 2.4" wide and 2.25" high.

~ Signed on the reverse of both fish "Sterling". Also, the fur clip prongs are both marked "Sterling". The Duette mechanism is marked "Coro Duette" and "Sterling", and "Pat No. 179886".

~ Designed by Adolph Katz, Coro's most famous designer.

c. 1944, in excellent vintage condition, with no flaws to the Lucite, and the vermeil is in great condition with only minor wear. All original with no repairs or replacements.

Research: Fun Jewelry, by Nancy Schiffer, p. 20. American Costume Jewelry, 1935-1950, by Brunialti, & Brunialti, p 169 & 170.  

Price = $635.00   a-c 2, b 5, clips 2, jelly belly

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