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Elsa Schiaparelli Citrine, Emerald and Topaz Bracelet, Brooch & Earrings Set Sold Thank You NWS 5-1277 ~ Coco Chanel hated Elsa Shiaparelli. They were both haute couturiers in Paris, Coco the older of the two. Coco had already hit the fashion heights and was internationally popular. She saw Elsa Schiaparelli as an upstart, a newcomer who had more "splash" than taste. For her part, Elsa was equally contemptuous of Chanel. There were cocktail parties with the glitterati, fashion shows, dinner parties of the rich and famous,... and whenever Coco and Elsa accidentally crossed paths at these events, sparks would fly. Today's vintage jewelry collectors have benefited enormously from this famous rivalry: the more popular Coco Chanel became, the more shocking and outrageous became Schiaparelli's designs. Often large in scale, her jewels emphasized electric color combinations, considered shocking in the 1930's. There was no attempt to make her costume jewelry look "real". It screamed FAKE. Today, we cannot get enough of it (which is why her jewelry is hard to find). ~ The crystals used in this set are a fabulous combination of faux topaz, emerald, citrine, and - here's the kicker - pale, pale peach. ~ Stone cuts include ovals, marquises, and chatons (rounds), in differing sizes. All of the crystals are faceted, and all have been prong-set into the thickly plated, gold tone metal. All of the stones, have open-backed settings to allow the light to play through. Only the pale peach chatons have foiled backs. ~ The bracelet measures 7.25"long and 1.25" wide. This is a substantial bracelet with good heft. It terminates in a folding clasp, and has safety chain. ~ The brooch contains the same crystal colors and measures slightly over 2.5" wide (WOW!) and 2 3/8" high. ~ The earrings are clips and measure slightly over 1.75" long. ~ Research: For a very similar Schiaparelli bracelet, see Costume Jewelry, The Great Pretenders, by Kelley & Schiffer, p. 89. c. 1930's, in excellent condition; 2 of the small peach chatons in the brooch have been replaced with clear chatons, but there's so much fire power that the replacements are not noticeable. The rest of the stones are original. Rare to find a set of this age and quality still together and available! Price = $795.00Sold Thank You Who is Schiaparelli? |
