Coro-Corocraft-Francois-Vendome-Coro Duettes
In business from around the turn of the 20th century until the late 1970's, Coro was one of the most, if not the most, prolific costume jewelry companies of all time. The name Coro came from a contraction of the first two letters of the last names of the original owners, Cohn and Rosenberger. Operating under many different names, the above mentioned Coro, Corocraft, Francois and Vendome are the most well-known, with Vendome, Corocraft and Coro Duettes being the most sought after. Ranging from low to high price points, the best that this company had to offer rivals almost any other high end manufacturer. During the height of the Great Depression, this company was so successful that they built a new manufacturing facility in Providence, RI, and almost all of the work was done "in-house". While quality, complexity of design and calibre of components was reflected in the price point where it was marketed, I have not ever seen a piece that was poorly constructed. The higher end lines were sold at high end department stores, while the less expensive lines were sold in smaller department stores and "dimestores" such as Woolworths.
While many other companies produced pairs of dress or fur clips connected on a metal frame to form a larger brooch, Coro seems to have been by far the most prolific and imaginative in this regard. "Duette" is the term that Coro coined for this versatile mechanism, and like the term Kleenex, it has become a word used to indicate this double clip piece even for companies that weren't Coro (though Trifari used the term "clipmates" rather than duette for their product). Coro's duettes not only encompassed the usual clear rhinestone/potmetal "bread and butter" type piece but also wonderful figurals including florals, horses, birds and bees with enamels, colored rhinestones and other specialty stones. Even the clear rhinestone duettes came in a wonderful variety of shapes and sizes.
At the end of the company's existence, I believe that while the US manufacturing in Providence was discontinued, that the Coro Canada manufacturing plant continued to produce items for another 15-20 years. You may occasionally find items marked Coro Canada here in the US, I am guessing it is much more common to find these pieces in Canada.
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Description: Coro Sterling Craft Set of Matched Fur Clips - Vermeil, almost rose gold plated pair of matching retro clips, these are as close to museum quality that I have ever seen in this type of piece. As you can see in these closeups, there is almost zero scratching and no tarnish. The unfoiled rounds are prong set in multi jeweltones - red, green, topaz, purple, and blue, with a wire-over "floral". Signed Coro in script, Sterling Craft, with both fur clip mechanisms also marked sterling. (Tiny point of wear over the word sterling on one furclip mechanism.) Approximately 1 3/8" in diameter, this is a collector coup, and if you are a fan of 1940's movies, gives you the opportunity to wear these as was fashionable then, as a diagonally placed pair. Item: SSF13-1349 Price: $79.50/pr. US |
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Description: Coro Clear Rhinestone Trembler Set - Coro used trembler mechanisms on their "quivering camelias" duettes and other designs as well, this is the first time I've seen this company use this in a design that is probably well into the 1950's. The clip earrings use goldtone shaped petals around a clear rhinestone set trembler; the brooch echoes the design using the same piece in the center and then surrounding it with large clear rhinestone marquises alternating with clear rounds. The earrings are approximately 1" in diameter, while the brooch is 2". The tremblers all operate nicely; the only condition issue is a couple of the trembler rhinestones are a little dull, otherwise everything is in wonderful shape, with the brooch rhinestones being of great quality. The earrings are marked Coro in script; the brooch is unsigned but an obvious match. Item: SS13-1362 Price: $35.00/set US |
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Description: Coro Blue/Multi Enamel/RS Bird Duette - Coro made a number of bird duette designs and seems to have had variations in color or components in most of them. Similiar to Calipsotta but smaller, this has a small pave section on each bird's breast but the rest of the piece, with the exception of the eyes and the flower centers, is enameled. As you can see from the closeup, the beautiful use of color - aqua to blue, with yellow and a pink-purple subtly added in, plus the multi colored flowers, multi green leaves, and brown branches, add up to miniature works of art. Excellent original condition, with almost no enamel loss. Fur clip mechanisms, duette frame is marked Coro duette in script under the left fur clip and Pat. No. 1798867 under the right (not pictured); part of the hole for the clip has cut off about the upper third of the signature but it is still visible under close scrutiny. If you have ever attempted enamel work, you know how difficult it would be the duplicate the beauty of this enamel work. 2 3/4" x 1 3/4". Item: SD14-1318 Price: $85.00 US Sorry, SOLD!  |
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Description: Coro Floral Duette with Enamel and Rhinestones - This duette is somewhat unusual in that it is goldtone rather than silvertone, the dark blue enameling has a bit of a metallic look to it, and this uses both clear and colored rhinestones. Notice the detail of two blue baguettes at the center of the piece. These are also three dimensional, though the pistils in the center of the flower are stationary rather than tremblers. 2 1/2" x 1 1/2" at widest point, assembled, this uses the better spring type dress clip mechanisms. The frame is marked Coro Duette in script, and the usual 1798867 pat number on the bottom, with the dress clip mechanism pat. number on each clip. Excellent condition, I would circa date these to the mid-1940's. Not the run of the mill duette. Item: SD14-1317 Price: $149.50 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Corocraft Pyramidal Tree with Fuchsia, Emerald, Montana and Clear rhinestones - I am very happy to be able to offer another one of these for sale. 2 1/2" x 1 1/4", domed, goldtone. Excellent condition, with one tiny clear in the star darkening. Item: SP14-1311 Price: $54.50 US  |
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Description: Coro Enamel and Rhinestone Floral Bouquet - Early 1940's piece, which I have had in another color, so I am "tickled pink" to have another, in pink! Pink florals have yellow centers accented with a single clear rhinestone, with light pink petals edged with a darker pink, which is echoed in the pink "ribbon" around the two-tone green floral leaves. Set in silvertone, this measures 4" x 1.25" and is marked Coro in script. For balance the placement of the pinstem indicates this is probably intended to be work at an angle or sideways rather than straight up and down. The enamel is in excellent condition with some minor loss on the edges of the leaves. Absolutely lovely. Item: SP14-1295 Price: $89.50 US  |
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Description: Coro Gilt Duette with Clear Rhinestones - I was unable to find a design patent for this duette, and it would appear that this was one of the later duettes because each individual fur clip is marked Coro in script and then what appears to be a large copyright symbol below it (I believe Coro must have made duettes up into the late 1950's). 2 1/2" X 1" fully assembled, this is in excellent condition, and very wearable. Item: SD13-1286 Price: $79.50 US  |
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Description: Coro Duette with Ruby Red and Clear Rhinestones - A more unusual duette, with an openwork design and ruby rhinestones rather than the more standard siam (fire engine) red. Most of the clears have greyed to a certain extent but it is quite uniform and gives the effect of marcasites with has considerable sparkle. Silvertone setting, the frame, rather than the clips themselves, is marked Coro Duette in script and the patent number for the frame. The dress clips use the better spring-hinge that probably indicates a somewhat later duette. About 2 5/8" x 1 1/4" fully assembled. Excellent condition excluding the greying, which does not detract from the piece. Item: SD13-1270 Price: $85.00 US   |
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Description: Vendome Bead and Pastel Enamel Earrings - What a spring-like combination! Clear aurora borealis faceted crystal beads and rose and blush pink seed beads are wired/headpinned to the silvertone base, with a center floral of lavender enameled petals and a light green enameled bottom that surround a larger AB crystal bead. Two of the smaller AB beads also have the light green enameled bottoms (on each earring). Usual Vendome adjustable screw-clip findings, marked Vendome with a copyright symbol. Excellent condition, 1" in diameter. Item: SE13-1260 Price: $17.50 US |
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Description: Coro Dangling Pendant Choker Necklace with Green Baguettes - Streamlined retro design with channel set green rhinestone baguettes and a dangling floral motif pendant with green baguettes around a clear and green rhinestone center. Goldtone, foldover clasp, about 15 1/2" (difficult to measure the curved part accurately), 1 1/2" at center front. Signed Coro in script on clasp and behind one of the curved sections. Excellent condition. Item: SN6-1250 Price: $39.50 US Sorry, SOLD!  |
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Description: Coro Asymmetrical Clear Rhinestone Duette - This is the only Coro duette I have seen that isn't symmetrical. The larger side is 1 7/8" x 1 1/4" at widest points, the smaller side is 1 1/4" x 1 1/8". Lovely design, with swirling cut-outs, curliques on either end, baguettes, rounds and trapezoids. Greying on the trapezoids, but for the most part I would consider the stone condition of this piece to be considerably better than most pieces of this age that are in original condition. Connector is marked Coro duette and a utility patent number. This is a rare piece for the consummate duette collector. Item: SD8-1173 Price: $99.50 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Corocraft Sterling Dolphin Duette - Patented in October of 1944, this has it all. Beautiful enameling in aquas, and kind of a bronze-red. Large oval unfoiled heads, lots of rhinestones. Vermeil, one fin is marked Coro Craft Sterling, the other clip is marked sterling on the fur clip mechanism; connector is marked sterling, Coro duette and the utility patent number. Excellent condition, with only two darkened clears. 1 3/4" x 2 1/2" fully assembled. A dream for many collectors. Item: SD9-1174 Price: $595.00 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Coro Three Dimensional Enamel Floral - Lovely flower brooch in multi greens and multi blue enamel, with rhinestones and a center pistil made up of four rhinestone rondelles with a scalloped cap at each end. You can see the construction on the backside photo, with the back riveted to the front and the attachment of the "pistil". At 3 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 1/2" deep, this is an unusually large piece for this company. If you look closely you can see Coro in script next to the right rivet in the back photo. Goldtone, very nice condition with some enamel loss on one of the green curls and the upper right hand tendril off the flower head. Beautiful. Item: SP9-1175 Price: $110.00 US |
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Description: Vendome Frosted Taupe Bead Brooch and Earrings Set - Vendome, Coro's top fashion line, was particularly noted for two types of jewelry - exceptional rhinestone, and gorgeous beads. This is in the 2nd category, and mixes a number of unusual beads - round, unfaceted frosted taupe colored beads, a thin pearlized flattened round, and a vitrail-type faceted bead that flashes a light olive green and peach, with a "shaved" end. Add to that a topaz AB faceted rounds, small crystal bicones, and everything attached with rhinestone headpins, and you have pieces that were originally expensive because of the number and rarity of the components. Pentagonal brooch is 1 3/4" in diameter, screw-clip earrings are 1 1/4" x 1". Exceptional pieces. Item: SS10-1160 Price: $49.50 US  |
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Description: Coro Duette "Jeweled Comet" with Blue and Clear Rhinestones, Gilt Setting - Gilt (goldtone) duettes are much less common than silvertone; these are also fur clips, as opposed to dress clips. The frame is marked Coro Duette; each fur clip is marked Coro in script and Des. Pat. Pend. (a little hard to read due to the plating). A little aging to the clear rhinestones, and a small nick to the plating on the back of one fur clip, pin stem has plating wear. Otherwise excellent. 2 3/4" x 1 3/8" assembled, individual clips 1 3/8" x 1 3/8". This "separable brooch" design was patented in 1948. Very retro. Originally sold for $9.00 in 1948. Item: SD5-1140 Price: $69.50US  |
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Description: Coro Duette in Clear and Green Rhinestones - I have had this design before in all clear stones, and in clear with all the square stones in color, but not just with colored stones at the ends of the squares! Interesting variation (I don't believe these are replacements). 3 1/4" x 1 5/8" assembled, 1 5/8" x 1 5/8" individual dress clips. Frame is marked Coro Duette and pat number for the frame, each clip is marked with a patent number for the clip finding (this type has the spring). Lovely cut out design, the potmetal shows darkening on the hobnails but the stones are in excellent condition for their age. Slightly domed, all works great! Item: SD5-1141 Price: $65.00US Sorry, SOLD!  |
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Description: Coro Pink Moonstone and Rhinestone Screwback Earrings - If you are fortunate enough to find matching earrings for the Coro moonstone pieces, they aren't usually marked; these are marked Coro in script on the screw part of the screwback finding. Two 8mm pink cabs are accented with two tiny 2mm balls, and rhinestone set silvertone leaves. About 3/4" x 3/4", and in excellent original shape, with just a little yellowed glue in the rhinestone area. Item: SE6-1114 Price: $12.50 US |
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Description: Coro "Charmian" Slide Necklace in Multi Pastel - While most people think slide necklaces are a contemporary concept, they obviously have been around awhile. The slide features a beautiful step-cut glass "blue topaz" stone, with a pink marquise, a golden oval, and a turquoise round as accents, along with goldtone floral and leaves and a single small clear. Nice goldtone chain with foldover clasp, about 15 1/2". Slide is 1 1/2" x 1 1/8". Excellent condition with both the clasp and the slide marked in script, additionally the slide signature appears to be followed by a copyright symbol, though I have found a Coro ad for this same design that is supposed to be from 1950 and was called Charmian. Item: SN8-1076 Price: $39.50 US |
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Description: Coro Open Cuff Floral Bracelet - Goldtone floral is accented with leaves and a center rhinestone at the middle, with purple and clear pronged stones along each side. Opening dimensions are 2 1/2" x 2", with back opening about 1 1/8". Rounded wire. Signature is Coro in script with the Pegasus figure, which apparently dates it to around 1945, though I have found a Coro hand pin with the identical flower and leaves that was patented in 1948; I think we can safely say late 1940's, and it certainly retains a retro feel. The purple stones have a pink cast to them. Very good condition.
Item: SB8-1078 Price: $59.50 US |
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Description: Corocraft/Coro Multi Pastel Floral Demi with Two Pairs of Earrings - The ultimate set for spring, and certainly as nice if not nicer than the Trifari Fragonard pieces. The set uses light blue, jonquil and rose pink stones for the flower petals, with sapphire blue, topaz and clear for centers, and clear baguette accent stones. The necklace has light blue rhinestone chain for the sides and will adjust up to 17". The bracelet has rather unusual curved side pieces, so measuring this was a little more difficult, but it seems to be a standard 7", and has a safety chain. Both pairs of earrings are clip, and have about the same dimensions, 1 1/4" x 1 1/8". The more ornate ones, however, have a more substantial clip mechanism. The necklace is marked Corocraft in script on the back of the center, the other pieces are all marked Coro in script on their findings. All pieces are in excellent condition, goldtone setting. This appears to be from 1955 and was originally called Fanfare, and these are the best Coro rhinestone pieces I've ever had. Item: SS9-1077 Price: $149.50/demi US Sorry, SOLD!    |
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Description: Coro Enamel and Rhinestone Floral Necklace - Coro may be sneered at in some circles, but knowledgeable collectors realize that Coro made pieces for all price points including high end, and the enamel work of the late 1930's and early 1940's is beautifully done. This necklace was patented in March of 1942, along with a bracelet, and is very similar to a brooch done about the same time (see sold item SP1-484). This particular series seems to have been done in both a multi colored version, and also versions with a predominant color, as the lavender is this necklace. Florals are centered with yellow enamel and a single rhinestone, with small strokes of red. Connecting pieces are also lavender, with multi green enamel above each floral link simulating leaves. Remaining chain is silvertone that culminates with a floral clasp that I have had on other Coro necklaces. Signed Coro in script on the back of one of the florals, this is in amazing original condition with only a little enamel loss along some of the edges. I have seen this piece priced at almost double on a "high-end" site. Item: SN1-973 Price: $129.50 US   |
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Description: Vendome Japanned Floral Earrings - When I first saw these I thought they were Haskell. Surprise! Blackened setting set with all clear rhinestones. Typical adjustable screw-clip findings in goldtone, with only one marked Vendome. 1 1/8" in diameter. Very good condition, with the center stones having become cloudy, however, this does not look distracting when you see them in person. Great look. Item: SE3-971 Price: $42.50 US |
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Description: Vendome Pink Art Glass Bead, Crystal, Pearl and Rhinestone Earrings - Vendome never skimped on components, as evidenced by these lovely earrings. Pale pink glass pearls, pink and clear crystal beads, silver-lined art glass beads with pink "icing" are all attached with rhinestone headpins. Silvertone setting, usual screw-clip findings are both signed. About 1" x 7/8", excellent condition, I'd love to see the matching pieces! Item: SE3-972 Price: $29.50 US |
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Description: Corocraft Sterling Frog Brooch - Famous and highly desirable frog pin with gorgeous enameling on the body in multi greens and yellow, with yellow and red accents. Frog sits on rhinestone encrusted lily pads. 2 1/4" x 2 1/8" x 5/8" deep, very 3-D and well made. Green cabochon eye. Vermeil setting, all is pristine except for the fact that the spinner safety for the pinclasp is missing, brooch still closes but doesn't have the security of the spinner. Because of this I am pricing at 1/3 to 1/2 of what you would pay on other sites. This could be fixed by a laser solder expert but I'll leave that up to you. Marked Coro Craft in script and sterling in block lettering. Item: SP12-966 Price: $395.00 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Coro Herringbone Pattern Rhinestone Choker Necklace - This elegant necklace is not what most people think of as Coro, but nonetheless, it is. Silvertone and highly articulated for great fit, this is 3/16" wide and 15" long, culminating in a rhinestone set deco style foldover clasp. Each of the small links contain a single rhinestone at the point of the "v". If I have counted correctly there are 100 rhinestone on this necklace. Excellent condition. Item: SN3-937 Price: $55.00 US Sorry, SOLD!  |
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Description: Glamour Magic (Coro) Magnetic Pave Earrings/Twin Pins - Another item you don't stumble across every day. I have seen a picture of carded "Coro Magic" earrings using this same magnetic finding, which reads Glamour Magic in script, with Pat. above and Pend. below. Carding says "Simply place Coro Magic piece at back of ear lobe and earring will stay securely in place. These will work as pins as well. About 3/4" in diameter, all rhinestone set, original stones. If you are a collector of things Coro, don't miss this opportunity.
Item: SP3-934 Price: $29.50 US |
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Description: Corocraft Aqua & Clear RhinestoneVolute Brooch - The epitome of retro style in a finely crafted piece. Channel set aqua baguettes extend from pave set volutes, with a further baguette set swirl over the top. Goldtone setting, three dimensional design. Excellent original condition, with only a few of the pave showing aging. At 2" x 1 5/8", this is a smaller piece, but the weight is very nice, excellent heft. This could pass for fine jewelry. There are those who sniff at Coro products, but top notch Corocraft is right up there with the "big boys" in terms of quality of design, components and execution. Item: SP1-917 Price: $89.50 US  |
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Description: Coro Peach Irridescent Enamel and Rhinestone Brooch and Earrings Set - The irridescent glazing on this set reminds me of glazing I have seen on pottery but I don't know the name of it. Whatever it is, it is very attractive, and I was immediately drawn to this set because peach colored jewelry is hard to find. The rhinestones at the center of both the brooch and the earrings are either a Madeira or smokey topaz aurora borealis. All pieces are bordered with a thin line of black enamel, some of which has worn off over the years. Goldtone setting, brooch is about 2 1/2" x 2" and clip earrings are about 1" in diameter. Excellent condition with the exception of the black enamel wear, which could be retouched if desired. Item: SS2-911 Price: $34.50/set US |
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Description: Francois Pave Set Leaf Pin - Gorgeous design that has been copied by other companies, this has clear rhinestones not only on the front but on the curling portion of the backside as well. Light goldtone plating, 3" x 1 1/4" at widest point. Very good original condition with only very mild aging to the clear stones. The vast majority of Francois is non-rhinestone, but the relatively few rhinestone pieces are sought after. Item: SP11-757 Price: $39.50 US |
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Description: Francois Enamel, Glass Pearl and Rhinestone Brooch and Earring Set - Francois was one of three top end lines for Coro (along with Vendome and Corocraft); most of the pieces were tailored, so finding colored rhinestone or this combination of enamel, stones and faux pearls is pretty unusual. These floral designs are particularly sought after, and it is a thrill to be able to offer the brooch with matching earrings. The design is intricate and beautiful, with curling leaves surrounding the florals, of which the smallest floral heads use extremely tiny clear rhinestones. The brooch is 2 3/8" x 2 1/8"; adjustable screw-clip earrings are 1" x 7/8". Other than two tiny rhinestones on the earrings everything is original. The only thing that I see flaw-wise are an enamel "bubble" in each earring that would have been done in the factory during manufacture. An incredible set for the discerning collector. Item: SS9-716 Price: $195.00/setUS Sorry, SOLD!   |
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Description: Coro Duette with Baguettes and Pave Leaves - This is somewhat of a mystery duette, as I am not 100% sure that this is the correct frame for these fur clips. They do fit the frame but usually Coro designed the frame so that isn't seen at all. The fur clips themselves are in excellent condition, with this appearing to be a stylized floral with the baguettes forming one part and the pave leaves and baguette stem forming the other. Very faintly the name? Beee in script has been incised on the fur clip finding of one clip. Each clip is about 1 3/4" x 3/4", very good condition with just a very slight amount of yellowing on some of the stones. Item: SD5-1061 Price: $59.50US |
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Description: Coro Gilt Duette with Extra Fur Clip - How I ended up with an extra clip in this design I don't remember, but it appears to be an identical match for this duette. Done with larger aqua rounds on the bottons of the clips and smaller clear stones at the top, this has a retro feel that probably circa dates them to the late 1940's. Usually duette clips aren't signed but these ARE, in a raised print that appears to say Coro-Des. Pat. Pend., and frame is signed differently than usual, with Coro Duette on left top of frame and the patent number on the right top. All pieces in excellent original condition. 2 1/4" x 1" assembled duette, single clip is 1 1/8" x 1". Item: SD4-752 Price: $99.50/all US |
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Description: Coro Purple Faux Moonstone Pair of Dress Clips (Duette without Frame) -Well known Coro design, not signed as these were almost always signed on the frame, which is, sadly, missing. The purple color glass moonstones are much less often found than, say, the fuchsia or blue ones, which is a shame, because this color is beautiful! Enameling is done in two-tone green and brown, again, typical for color, and clear pave at the tops. Potmetal, spring-type clip mechanisms have patent number for the mechanism 1852188 as per usual. Each clip about 1" by 1" and are in very good condition with enamel only having one small ding and a few of the small clears being replacements. You may wish to buy both this and SD9-715 (above) as the frame should work for both of these sets of clips. Item: SD4-751 Price: $69.50 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Coro Gilt Duette with Red Stones - Unusual duette in many respects - it is goldtone rather than silvertone, it uses all red stones and it uses many small square stones. The red is more of a raspberry (ruby) red, which is also unusual for Coro. I actually expected this to say Corocraft instead of Coro, but the frame itself only has the usual Coro Duette in script marking, and the patent number for the frame. Certainly not the standard dress clip back for Coro, either. Beautiful original condition, 3" x 1 1/4" assembled. Smallest rounds look orange in photo but are because of the lighting, these may be siam instead of ruby but all appears original and these do not look different from the rest of the stones in person. Item: SD4-753 Price: $140.00 US |
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Description: Coro Pink Trembler Fur Clip - Another well known Coro design, this is one of Coro's earliest patents, dating to 1939 and designed by Gene Verri (Verrecchio). Enameled in two colors of pink, the leaves are channel set with square pink rhinestones, and the floral head, connected on a trembler spring wire mechanism, uses pink squares and a single pink round in the center, with the squares alternating with clear rounds. Goldtone setting, clip is signed Coro in script (you have to look very carefully for it) and the end of the stem says pat. # 117802 (very tiny and difficult to read). 2 1/4"x 1 3/4", this has enamel loss at the top of the flower and the spring is so tight in the trembler that it doesn't move by itself, this is still in very good shape for 70+ years old and is quite charming. Item: SF4-755 Price: $79.50 US |
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Description: Coro Aqua Trembler Fur Clip - One of Coro's most popular floral designs, , this features two tone enameling in aqua, and the center of the floral head is an aqua and clear rhinestone trembler, a piece that is on a small spring and moves slightly when the wearer moves. The three leaves are set with aqua colored square stones (one or two seem slightly more vibrant color-wise, so they may either be replacements or the stones have aged a little differently.) Goldtone plating borders each leaf and each petal of the flower. Fur (pin) clip clasp, signed Coro in script (very faint, but there), with an incised number (9168) plus an almost unreadable patent number, 117802, which was assigned to Gene Verrecchio, head designer for Coro, in 1939. Excellent condition. Item: SF9-679 Price: $110.00 US |
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Description: Vendome Dangling Bead Brooch - All done in goldtone beads, this uses barrel beads in two sizes, and larger goldtone crimp beads are ingeniously incorporated into the design, both as a border around the center bead and as separators between the barrel beads on the top "wheel". The barrel beads have a kind of engine-turned finish that is very attractive. About 3 1/4" x 1 7/16". Excellent condition. Item: SP12-886 Price: $29.50 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Vendome Brown Art Glass Bead Earrings - These earrings use many specialty beads, with an almost carnival glass look to a barrel and a round bead, plus copper and grey glass pearls, and medium topaz and medium topaz AB crystal beads. Most of the beads are held in place with rhinestone head pins, with the largest bead sporting filigree endcaps and a collar of crimp beads around one of the crystal beads. Typical Vendome screw clip mechanism is signed Vendome. About 1 1/8" x 1", excellent condition, very three dimensional. Item: SE12-887 Price: $39.50 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Vendome Black Bead Earrings - A typical clustered bead earring for this company, using black crystal beads, goldtone leaves, a collar of wired crimp beads, and rhinestone headpins for part of the beads. Usual screw-clip findings are marked Vendome. Goldtone setting, 1 1/8" x 1". Excellent condition. Item: SE12-888 Price: $12.50US |
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Description: Huge Vendome By-pass Hinged Cuff - An impressive piece in silvertone with medium blue faux moonstones, and light, medium and dark sapphire rhinestones. The stones go completely around the piece. Excellent condition, with one slightly darkened stone at the very back. This would best fit someone with a large wrist but for those who are small but love big pieces you might be able to make this work by putting on top of a sweater. 7/8" wide at back, about 2 1/4" wide at the by-pass. This is a book piece, shown in Judith Miller's Collector's Guide to Costume Jewelry. Item: SB1-658 Price: $175.00 US  |
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Description: Amazing Vendome Cuff Bracelet and Earring Set - Every once in awhile you find jaw-dropping pieces of jewelry that just make you say, "where did you find this?" Massive cross-over cuff has tan faux moonstones and large jonquil rhinestones along with smokey topaz and smaller jonquil rhinestones, all over a checkerboard goldtone finish. All stones are prongset; earrings have screw-clip mechanism that Vendome used but are, surprisingly, unsigned. Bracelet IS signed. Earrings are 1 1/2" in diameter, bracelet is 7/8" at hinge and 3" point to point at the front. One large jonquil has a very slight chip; two stones in the bracelet are topaz and don't appear to be replacements but the color is not used anywhere else in the pieces. Slight wear on inside of front of bracelet. This set is shown in blue in Judith Miller's Collector's Guide to Costume Jewelry and valued at considerably more than what I have this priced at. Item: SS3-547 Price: $245.00 US  |
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Description: Vendome Glass Pearl, Rhinestone and Wired Bead 2-Strand Necklace - Vendome never ceases to amaze with the imagination in their beadwork. Creamy glass pearls in various sizes from 5mm to 11mm alternate with a "cagework" type bead done in goldtone wire that is kind of a flattened squash shape, quite intriguing looking. Each one of these wirework beads is flanked by a slated clear rhinestone wheel. Quality findings, excellent condition and very elegant. Nested design, adjusts up to 18". Item: SN3-545 Price: $49.50 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Unsigned Coro Mr. & Mrs. Bird Chatelaine Double Pin Set - This is an early Coro piece - note the use of c-clasps on both pieces. Done in brass with a red cabochon body and clear rhinestones that are original on the wings; chatelaine chain also looks to be original. There is some white on the back of the Mr. Bird but it does not show from the front and I am reluctant to try to clean it off. I see no other problems with these pieces. Mr. Bird is 2" x 1", Mrs. Bird is slightly smaller. Item: UP9-649 Price: $85.00 US |
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Description: Coro Light Blue AB Rhinestone Floral Brooch and Earring Set - This design is, I believe, a 1960's variation of an earlier Coro design that was originally done in enamel/rhinestones. This uses no enamel but has a silvertone setting with all light sapphire aurora borealis rhinestones. Brooch is 3" x 1 1/4"; matching clip earrings are 1 1/4" x 5/8". Excellent condition except for very small plating loss at crook of stem. Because of the position of the pin stem the brooch should perhaps be worn "upside down". Item: SS8-602 Price: $29.50/set US |
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Description: This Coro "Emblem of the Americas" brooch is shown in the Brunialtis' American Costume Jewelry book and was apparently produced in November of 1941. Proceeds from the sale of this design were used for the Interamerican Scholarship Fund and the concept was endorsed by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. The center flag represents the United States and the other flags, from left to right, represent in alphabetical order the countries in Latin America and South America. Note that this piece started being sold at almost the exact same time as the attack on Pearl Harbor and America's entry into WWII. Bottom line says "Amigos Siempre" - Friends Forever. Fascinating historical piece. $250.00 Item: SP2-017 Price: $250.00 US |
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Description: Norseland by Coro Sterling Goose Pin -During WWII when by necessity sterling silver became the metal of choice in the costume jewelry industry, Coro produced several types of sterling pieces, including pieces with no stones whatsoever. This goose must have been one of their most popular designs. Measuring 3 1/4" x 3", this piece, which has its original patina, would warm the cockles of any bird lovers' heart. Item: SP2-176 Price: $69.50 US |
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Description: Coro Sterling Aqua Retro Brooch - This larger (3 1/4" x 2 1/4") circa 1940's brooch is somewhat unusual in that Coro Sterling is incised on the body and then partially covered by a plaque that also says Coro Sterling with the Pegasus mark. Emerald-cut aqua glass foiled stones in an open-backed setting are accented with clear paste-set round rhinestones (all original). Vermeil finish, professionally done solder repair on back side is undetectable.
Item: SP3-033 Price: $60.00 US |
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Description: Corocraft Retro Brooch This large brooch (3.25" x 2.875") is done with a rose-gold finish and has 8 unfoiled amethyst colored stones, accented on one side with 8 clear rhinestones in two sizes. Piece is marked "Coro Sterling Craft" on an applied rectangular plaque. Two of the smallest clears have been replaced, otherwise, excellent condition. Part of Coro's "Devastating Amethyst" ad campaign in 1944. (See ad on JewelChat portion of http://www.morninggloryantiques.com )
Item: SP3-034 Price: $75.00 US |
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Description: Coro Sterling Retro Bouquet with Blue Faux Moonstones and Rhinestones - Gorgeous large 3 3/4" x 2 7/8" brooch has a rose gold finish with lovely light blue glass "moonstones" in marquises and round shapes. All stones are original. Slight moisture damage is found along the very left side of the bow and on the reverse; probably the only part that was truly damaged was the pin stem, which was probably steel rather than sterling and actually looked slightly rusty; I have hand filed it and removed the rust, which also removed a little of the plating on the pin stem. Priced accordingly.
Item: SS3-262 Price: $49.50 US |
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Description: Half of Coro Duette - Fur Clip in Butterscotch Moonstones - An extremely well known Coro design, in a highly unusual color. I have seen these done in several colors but never this color. A few of the rhinestones are replacements but otherwise very nice, with two small dings on the enameling, which is virtually the same butterscotch color as the faux moonstones. Unsigned, as these were usually signed on the frame and not the dress/furclip. About 1 1/4" in both directions. If you have the match to this I would be happy to purchase! Item: UF9-635 Price: $29.50 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Coro Dark Blue Faux Moonstone Cabochon Fur clip - Done in a kind of "bunch of grapes" design, this fur clip has goldtone bow "loops" and measures about 2 1/2" x 2" at the widest points. Almost certainly a 1940's piece, the goldtone finish is similar to vermeil finishes of the time, although I do not think this is sterling. Great for office wear or on a jean jacket. Item: SF4-228 Price: $79.50 US |
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Description: Corocraft Glass Pearl Brooch - With Vendome and Francois, this top of the line division of Coro made some of the top fashion jewelry of the time. This stylized piece embodies the beauty of design and quality of components for which Corocraft was known. 3 1/2" x 1", all stones are original. Item: SP4-0180 Price: $60.00 US |
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Description: Corocraft Elegant Clear Rhinestone Necklace - This style epitomizes the post WII return to glamour of the late 1940's and early 1950's. This is done almost entirely in clear rhinestone baguettes, even on the chain portion and the fancy foldover clasp. The only exception are small rounds that border the front baguettes, and the "swoosh" in front, done in baguette strips that terminate with trapezoids, and is attached with a small screw - I'm not sure what the point was, but it appears that it could be removed if you so desired. Truly a work of design art worth studying. Excellent condition - chain baguettes have darkened but do not detract. Will fit up to a 15 1/2" neck. Item: SN11-354 Price: $85.00 US |
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Description: Corocraft Sterling Pegasus "Queen Bee" Duette (No frame) Coro patented this design in 1942, #133,477. From Coro's top line, Corocraft, we find the exquisite use of hand-enameling for collectors prize. Clear rhinestones on body and wings, tiny green rhinestones for eyes. Aside from a few dings to the black enamel on a few of the legs I can find no flaws. Fur clip mechanisms. Unfortunately these came without the duette frame, so the price reflects. Item: SD4-666 Price: $125.00/pr. US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Coro Floral Duette with Burgundy/Green Enamel and Red/Clear Rhinestones - I was unable to find the exact match for this patent-wise, but the closest is 122,485 from 1940, which is attributed to Adolph Katz but may have been done by any of Coro's designers. Goldtone setting, 2 1/4" x 1 1/8" when assembled. Coro's patents all refer to these as "separable brooches". Excellent condition, with only one small blemish to the burgundy enamel on one flower. Item: SD4-665 Price: $95.00 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Coro Duette with Blue Baguettes - A very wearable duette with clear rhinestones in the center and a fringe of intense blue rhinestone baguettes along the ends (bottom) of each clip. While the colored baguettes are in excellent condition, as with many Coro duettes with clear stones, this one has stone darkening on the clears. I have replaced a number of yellowing rounds; the marquises in the "floral" pattern are quite grey and you may wish to have these replaced, but they actually bring the design out more being darker than the rounds. Nice cut out work around the marquises and along the edges. Plating is very good and all mechanical parts of the duette work very well. This is very easy to take apart and put back together. This semi-circular shape for the clips is more unusual for Coro, much nicer than the standard "bread and butter" pieces that are more common. Entire piece is 2" x 1 3/8", with each clip being 1" x 1 3/8".
Item: SD3-657 Price: $65.00 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description:Coro Duette with Blue Marquises and Gilt Finish - Montana blue marquise rhinestones and a goldtone finish make this an unusual duette. Gilt finish is quite worn on both top and bottom sides, otherwise in excellent condition. 3" x 1 1/2". A nice addition to a comprehensive duette collection, and very wearable. Item: SM9-522 Price: $95.00 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Coro "Bow" Duette with Floral Motif - While not the usual duette mechanism for Coro, I do think this is original. Both fur clips are signed Coro; the connector mechanism is signed just with "pat. pend.". Silvertone; all clear rhinestones. Some stones have darkened or yellowed slightly but certainly what one would expect for a piece that is 60-70 years old. About 2" x 1 1/4" when connected. Item: SM2-149 Price: $49.50 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Coro Sterling Brooch with Black Cabochons - Like the sterling retro pieces, this piece is almost certainly WWII vintage, when a trend for Mexican sterling looks was popular and sterling was what was available for costume jewelry. This may have even been made in Mexico for Coro; marked Coro in script over the word sterling in block letters. Floral-foliate design uses black cabochons of unknown material and sterling silver frame for the leaves. 3" x 1 3/8". Permanent intentional oxidation on interior of folded leaves. Strangely, little sign of tarnish but definite oxidation to the finish. Item: SPRLS-687 Price: $19.50 US |
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Description: Vendome Clear RS Earrings in Japanned Setting - Each of these clip earrings looks kind of like half of a bow. Always fashionable blackened setting with pave set clear rhinestones (much more sparkly in person than this photo would indicate.) Usual Vendome adjustable clip findings, 1" x 3/4" Item: SE12-378 Price: $22.50 US |
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Description: Vendome Light Colorado Topaz AB Crystal and Glass Pearl Earrings - Accented with tiny goldtone leaves and using Vendome's characteristic screw-clip mechanism, these are about 1" in diameter. Very feminine and in excellent, if not perfect, condition. Item: SE10-400 Price: $15.00 US |
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Description: Vendome Chandelier Bead Earrings - Who says vintage looks old fashioned? Argented (silver metallic coated) clear crystal beads dangle in a pyramidal design, suspended from an argented cupcake rivoli bead with a single clear rhinestone in the center. Usual Vendome screw-clip mechanism. 2" x 1". Perfect for any dressy occasion. Item: SE12-134 Price: $27.50 US |
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Description: Vendome Dark Blue/Vitrail/Argent Beaded Clip Earrings - The dark blue beads are a rounded triangle that has been flattened, in dark blue translucent glass. Top beading is done in vitrail (watermelon/grey) and argent (metallic silver) glass beads. Typical quality Vendome screw clip mechanisms, 1 1/4" x 3/4". Excellent original condition. Item: SE10-441 Price: $22.50 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Vendome Colorado Topaz Aurora Borealis Bead Earrings - These earrings are in pristine condition, even the AB coating on the beads is in excellent, unworn shape. The main beads are eggplant shaped; center bead is round. Small bicones (not AB) at top and bottom, center bead is bordered by small seed beads. All beads are handwired, attached to pierced backing frame, which is covered by matching frame. Silvertone metal, usual Vendome screw-clip mechanism, about 3/4" in diameter. Item: SE10-490 Price: $20.00 US |
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Description: Vendome Clear and Clear Aurora Borealis Bead Earrings - Larger beads are held in place with clear rhinestone headpins, generous use of goldtone metal leaves. About 1" in diameter. Back plates show wear but otherwise these are in the usual excellent condition that Vendome pieces are almost always found in. Item: SE10-516 Price: $15.00 US |
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Description: Vendome Argent and Clear Rhinestone Earrings - Argent, Spanish for silver, refers to silver metallic coated rhinestones. Rivoli (pointed top) stones/beads have been headpinned around a argented beads attached with rhinestone topped headpins. Usual Vendome screw-clip mechanism, 1" in diameter, and very sparkly. Item: SE10-513 Price: $17.50 US Sorry, SOLD! |
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Description: Coro Cameo Bracelet and Brooch Set - I am guessing these to be some of the jewelry produced around the time of the release of the movie "Gone With the Wind" in the very late 1930's - early 1940's. Both cameos in a classic woman's profile are done on a black glass background, but the brooch appears to have a matte finish plastic head while the smaller cameo in the bracelet appears to be of molded glass. While there is a slight difference in the appearance of the cameos, I think it has to do with the size difference and small details due to the size difference - these are obviously meant to match. Antiqued goldtone frames are identical. Brooch measures 1 3/4" x 1 3/8", and is about 1/2" deep. Bracelet is a little over 7" with the foldover clasp. Center part measures 1 3/8" x 1 1/8". Both pieces marked Coro in script. $45.00/set Item: SS10-114 Price: $45.00 US  |
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Description: Coro Ruffled Silvertone Pearl and Blue Necklace - Cast metal links that alternate white glass faux pearls and light blue and navy rhinestones are shaped almost like wings and have a rippling effect. Adjustable hook clasp will accommodate up to a 17" neck. Very nice shape, not yellowed as in the scan. This would change a navy suit or dress into a memorable outfit! I have replaced a few missing pearls. Item: SN10-126 Price: $16.50 US |
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Description: Coro Faux Moonstone Cabochon Brooch in Fuchsia with Clear Pave and Burgundy Enamel - I find these old Coro pieces from the 1930's-1940's to be utterly charming. Other than slight knicking at the top of one of the bow loops the enamel is in excellent shape. Someone "got here" before I did and had done some poor replacements of some rhinestones which I have corrected. 2 3/4" x 1 1/2" at widest point. Coro would have made a matching necklace, bracelet, earrings and duette for this piece. Item: SP11-379 Price: $59.50 US |
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