Coro - Vintage Gold Plated Crystal Rhinestone Linear Clip-On Earrings (VE537)

Coro - Vintage Gold Plated Crystal Rhinestone Linear Clip-On Earrings. These eye-catching earrings are crafted from gold plate over metal, signed Coro. They feature 6 marquise cut faceted rhinestones, 8 emerald cut faceted rhinestones, classic vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. These earrings are hand-set with beautiful emerald green, and apple green sparkling crystal rhinestones. They are linear, and display a lovely contrast of colour. The earrings are for pierced, and non pierced ears, featuring clip-on backings in perfect working order. These vintage earrings are highly collectible, and look stunning when worn. History: Originally, rhinestones were rock crystals gathered from the river Rhine, hence the name, although some were also found in areas like the Alps (the source of the Rhine). Today the name "rhinestone" applies only to varieties of lead glass known as crystal glass. The process was invented in 1805 by Italian chemist Luigi Brugnatelli who plated a very thin gold layer on top of silver. Since then, it has become commonplace in the jewelry world, with many base metals covered in gold, silver, or rhodium. The world’s most famous costume jewelry company, Coro. Since its establishment in 1901, many talented designers worked for the company. Among them Gene Verrecchio, Massa Raimond, Oscar Placco, Robert Geissman, and many of them ended up starting their own jewelry lines. One such designer was François, who joined Coro in 1937. And already in 1938 he created a series of floral designs under his own name. Traditionally, his designs included the use of pressed glass, lucite, enamel, faux pearls, rhinestones, and silver and gold tone metal alloys. In the 1960s the designs included natural stones, gold plating, and cultured pearl. Handcrafted with high craftsmanship and quality, François branded items were sold in the finest boutiques and department stores. The brand ceased to exist in the late 1960s, when the Coro company itself was on the decline. In 1901, Emanuel Cohn and Carl Rosenberger established the accessories boutique Cohn and Rosenberger in New York City, which was later shortened to Coro. In 1929, Coro purchased a manufacturing facility in Providence, Rhode Island, which would later become the world's largest costume jewelry facility. Measurements: Earrings 29.50mm x 15.00 mm Stone Size: Crystal Rhinestones (Marquise) 15.00 mm x 7.00 mm Emerald Cut 6.50 mm x 5.00mm each Weight: 9.90 grams Condition: Very Good Note: Some wear to the gold plate on the back of the earrings. Origin: America, Providence, Rhode Island Date: Circa 1950