| ~In the 1950's she struck off on
her own, and, in collaboration with her brother, they began creating
their own line of jewelry. This necklace was made by Coppola e Toppo
in Milan, Italy, in the 1960's, their heyday. ~
Collectors know that
Coppola e Toppo necklaces were not always signed. And they did not
always use the famous, heart-shaped clasps that make their necklaces
so instantly recognizable. Author and researcher, Ginger Moro, in
her book, European Designer Jewelry, shows several examples of other
clasp styles that Lydia Coppolo (her married name was Toppo)
designed primarily for Emilio Pucci, Ken Scott and Valentino. Lydia
said, "My jewelry requires enormous amounts of time and labor, and a
vast choice of colors and hues. Of course, not everyone understands
this jewelry, which does not imitate real jewels. It has a precise
decorative function and must be aggressive, outrageous and
fantastic. This is appropriate not only at La Scala opera openings,
but chic with sweaters in the mountains or at the seaside. Naturally
I have a more sedate line which is adaptable to all women."
~ Since Lydia used only the best,
hand-faceted crystals from Austria and Bohemia, you know you're
looking at the finest glass beads made by old world masters. In
1964, she was appointed as artistic consultant to Swarovski of
Austria, and she continued to make generous use of their stones in
all her designs.
~ This necklace
measures approximately 15.25" long and 2" wide. It rests beautifully
at the collar bone.
~ This fabulous collar has been hand woven
into a basket weave design on invisible monofilament,
with darker blue, seed beads accenting the two inner rows, forming
florets.
~ Lydia Coppola died in 1972. Her work
is not commonly found on the market.
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