It wasn't until the 1950s that US jewelry manufacturers started producing Christmas theme jewelry that you are familiar with today. Previously, Christmas jewelry was a style of basically bells and bows, in earrings and pins, made mainly of either glass, crystal, or rhinestones. Theme jewelry such as Christmas tree pins, deer pins, Santa pins, and wreath pins, etc, didn't come until the mid to late 1950s. (There were a few exceptions, but Christmas theme jewelry was rarely if ever made before this time.)
This festive holiday bow brooch is a perfect example of early 1940s Christmas jewelry. It was a dual purpose brooch that could also be worn on special occasions. This layered flowing bow design is made of thick and weighty pot metal and is heavily plated with silver rhodium. At the center of the bow is a half rhondell of clear crystal baguettes and all of the ribbons are paved with small sparkling clear rhinestones.
You will notice the quality weight of this piece when you hold it in your hand. The bow is medium-large in size at 2 3/4" wide x 1 1/8" tall or 6.9 cm x 2.9 cm. You can get a better indication of the size by viewing the photo of the brooch in my hand. The bow is not signed but it was assuredly made in the US in the early to mid 1940s.
This brooch has been very well cared for and I sincerely doubt it has ever been worn. All of the rhinestones and crystal baguettes are original, present, and sparkling clear. There are no cloudy or mellowed rhinestones and the entire brooch is pristine and microscopically clean and bright. There is not a trace of wear to the silver rhodium; not on the bow edges, the back, or the bar closure. The back has no scratches or dings and looks brand new. The original fine working safety clasp is in place.
Comes gift wrapped and shipped in a new presentation jewelry box.
