Night Of Glamour - Vintage Signed 'Sarah Coventry' Rhodium Plated Crystal Rhinestone Necklace (VN231)

Night Of Glamour - Vintage Signed 'Sarah Coventry' Rhodium Plated Crystal Rhinestone Necklace. This elegant necklace is crafted from rhodium plate over metal, signed SARAH COV and CANADA. Featuring numerous round cut crystal rhinestones vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. This gorgeous necklace is set with beautiful clear sparkling rhinestones. The rhinestones continue all the way around the necklace, and also are showcased on the wonderful dangles. The back of the necklace is flexible, and udjustable, which makes for a more comfortable fit. This vintage signed necklace would make a stunning bridal or special occasion piece. 

History: Centuries ago, quartz pebbles with a high lead content were found sparkling on the banks of Europe's Rhine River. These beautiful, natural stones were highly coveted and were eventually depleted, inspiring jewelers to create an imitation, aptly named the "rhinestone."

Rhinestones aka Diamantes, Crystals, Flat Backs or Strass in many European countries, or even Paste as the original methods imply, go back to the 1200s where they were first made from Czechoslovakian or Bohemian hand blown glass.

Joseph Strasser could be credited with the precursor to our present-day Rhinestone, but it was really when Georg Freidrich Strass in 1760 invented the first ever rhinestone (artificial gemstone) from a special type of crystal found in the Rhine River that the stones we know today were born.

Rhodium has been used as a coating for jewelry and silverware since the 1930s. It was also used as a plating for cigarette lighters and writing instruments during that time. One of the many companies that used rhodium plating was the Ronson Lighter Company, which produced many art-deco style items in the 30s.

Sarah Coventry jewelry was named after the granddaughter of Lyman K. Stuart, the founder of the company. Established in 1949, thousands of women and some men were recruited to sell jewelry at Sarah Coventry home jewelry parties. It is recognized as the oldest direct selling jewelry company in the world.

Jewelry production stopped in the early 1980s, only to begin again in the early 2000s. Early Sarah Coventry jewelry was marked “Coventry”. Other marks used were “Sarah Coventry”, “SC”, “Sarah”, “Sarah Cov”, and “SAC”.

Measurements: Necklace (Collar) 14" - 18" (Adjustable) 

Stone Size: Crystal Rhinestones 2.00 mm -3.00 mm each 

Weight: 63.70 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America , New York , Rhode Island    Note: This piece is made specifically for Canada. 

DateL Circa 1960