Two birds on a branch, or love bird theme pins, were a favorite design of many jewelry makers for centuries. Most that were made in the US in the 1950 era were just enamels and/or rhinestones. There were a few companies that made fine quality pins in this theme.
This 1950s vintage love bird pin is designer signed IPS for Imperial Pearl Syndicate who was well known for 14kt gold jewelry and Akoya cultured pearl jewelry. (More about IPS below.) This brooch has a touch of Oriental styling as the gold branch and leaves resemble bamboo. The branch and leaves are machine etched and beveled to create a sparkling finish. The birds are made of oval and domed 10 mm long gemstone cabs of Carnelian and Jadeite. Their heads are 4 mm Akoya cultured pearls.
Medium petite in size, the brooch is 1 3/4" long x 1 1/8" tall or 45 mm x 29 mm. The back of the pin has the IPS 14kt G cartouche and the original fine working 14kt gold safety clasp and closure bar. The entire pin is in pristine clean like new condition with no imperfections or flaws. The pearls and gemstones are perfect with no scratches, chips, or cracks. The gold is clean and bright with no signs of wear.
Comes gift wrapped and shipped in a new luxury presentation brooch box.
* Imperial was founded by Joseph Gladstone in 1917, later renamed the Imperial Pearl Syndicate in 1941. During the post-war period, Imperial was the first US company to bring the Japanese Akoya cultured pearls to the US. A unique marketing campaign helped establish brand recognition in the 1940's and 1950's as both Imperial and Deltah pearls marketing campaigns featured ads with some of America's most notable celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor, Shirley Temple, and Loretta Young. Gladstone sold the company to Sidney Weiss in 1969, who then sold it to the Waltham Watch Company in 1971. During Waltham's ownership, Imperial virtually abandoned its cultured pearl business and diversified into simulated pearls and gold-filled jewelry.
