Glistening Leaf - Vintage Signed 'Francois' By Coro Gold Plated Austrian Swarovski Crystal Rhinestone Leaf Brooch (VBR222)

Glistening Leaf - Vintage Signed 'Francois' By Coro Gold Plated Austrian Swarovski Crystal Rhinestone Leaf Brooch. This lovely brooch is crafted from gold plate, signed Francois.  The brooch features round cut crystal rhinestones, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. This gorgeous brooch is made in the form of a leaf, which is adorned with sparkling rhinestones. The stem of the leaf has a high polish, as does the outline of the leaf. The back of the brooch is textured and polished, and features its original pin and a secure rotating lock, which is in perfect working order. This eye-catching vintage brooch would make a perfect addition to any vintage jewelry collection.

History: Francois vintage costume jewelry. The history of Francois costume jewelry brand is inextricably linked with the history of perhaps the world’s most famous costume jewelry company, Coro. Since its establishment in 1901, many talented designers worked for the company. Among them Gene Verrecchio, Massa Raimond, Oscar Placco, Robert Geissman, and many of them ended up starting their own jewelry lines. One such designer was François, who joined Coro in 1937. And already in 1938 he created a series of floral designs under his own name. Traditionally, his designs included the use of pressed glass, lucite, enamel, faux pearls, rhinestones, and silver and gold tone metal alloys. In the 1960s the designs included natural stones, gold plating, and cultured pearl. Handcrafted with high craftsmanship and quality, François branded items were sold in the finest boutiques and department stores. The brand ceased to exist in the late 1960s, when the Coro company itself was on the decline.
Noteworthy, the Francois trademark was registered by Ontario based company CORO Canada INC. in 1977. Even without being an expert in costume jewelry, one can see the difference not only in design, but also in marking. The Coro’s François marking includes the word in script, and the Canadian equivalent – in capital block letters.

History. In 1901, Emanuel Cohn and Carl Rosenberger established the accessories boutique Cohn and Rosenberger in New York City, which was later shortened to Coro. In 1929, Coro purchased a manufacturing facility in Providence, Rhode Island, which would later become the world's largest costume jewelry facility. 

The term Rhinestone was given to the little sparkles after the river Rhine, where quartz pebbles, rock crystals with a high lead content were originally found. Folk would collect them from the shores, jewellers cutting and moulding them into little imitation diamonds.

In 1883, Daniel formed a jewelry company and by 1886, they had over 70 employees, and supplied jewelry for Queen Victoria. In 1891, Daniel registered a patent for the crystal cutting machine that he created and in 1895, moved from Bohemia to Wattens, Austria to begin crystal production.

What Is Gold-plated Jewelry? Gold-plated jewelry is a type of metal jewelry covered with a very thin layer of real gold. The process was invented in 1805 by Italian chemist Luigi Brugnatelli who plated a very thin gold layer on top of silver.Apr 25, 2023

Measurements: Brooch 77.00 mm x 32.00 mm 

Stone Size: Swarovski Crystal Rhinestones 1.50 mm 

Weight: 24.80 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America, New York , Providence Rhode Island 

Date: Circa 1960