Recently Sold (VBR174)

Chrysanthemum - Vintage Marcel Boucher Cultured Pearl Flower Brooch. This lovely brooch is crafted from heavy gold plate over a metal. It is signed Boucher,  numbered 8374P, and a stamp CHRYSANTHEMUM from the monthly flower series collection.  Featuring one genuine cultured pearl, vintage designing, and quality craftsmanship. The gorgeous brooch is made in the form of a chrysanthemum flower. The brooch is dimensional, with layer upon layer of petals, and a beautiful champagne colored pearl. The brooch has wonderful texture, and has a heavy gold plate applied to piece. Marcel Boucher brooches are highly collectible, and look stunning on a coat, or jacket. So elegant and classy!

History: Marcel Boucher was one of the most talented designers and manufacturers of American costume jewelry in the 20th century. His jewelry was notable from the very beginning due to the excellent design and high - quality materials. It was commonly mistaken for precious jewelry. 

Born in Paris, Marcel Boucher worked as a jewelry designer for Cartier, who brought him to the United States. In the 1930s, he took a job with Mazer Bros., where he worked until he founded his own company in 1937. Boucher made a name for himself creating bold, imaginative, enameled pieces that were individual works of art, with brooches shaped like fruits, animals, and human figures. In particular, collectors covet for his fantasy bird pieces from the 1940s. Boucher items, which are usually signed, can be roughly dated based on their inventory number and mark. In 1944 he changed the company name to Marcel Boucher Ltd. to Marcel Boucher & Cie. Early Pieces may be marked "Marboux" or with his initials in a cartouche. "MB Sterling" was used between 1942 and 1944. Pieces made between 1944 and 1949 may be marked with a Phrygian cap above his initials. Later pieces are marked " Marcel Boucher" or "Boucher". After 1955 the copyright symbol appears before his name. When Marcel Boucher died in 1965, his wife, Sandra took over the company. In 1972, the company became a subsidiary of watchmaker Dovorn industries. 

Pearls were presented as gifts to Chinese royalty as early as 2300 BC, while in ancient Rome, pearl jewellery was considered to be the ultimate status symbol ... According to legend, Cleopatra crushed a pearl into a glass of wine to prove to Marc Anthony that she could give the most expensive dinner in history. 

Measurements: Brooch 49.00 mm x 36.00 mm 

Stone Size: Pearl 4.00 mm 

Weight: 17.70 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America, New York 

Date: Circa 1950