Retro - Vintage Gold Plated Crystal Rhinestone Pendant & Clip-On Earring Set (VP277)

Retro - Vintage Gold Plated Crystal Rhinestone Pendant & Clip-On Earring Set. This wonderful set is crafted from gold plate over metal. The set features 3 rectangular cut crystal rhinestones, vintage retro era styling, and quality craftsmanship. This gorgeous set is comprised of beautiful sky blue crystal rhinestones surrounded by a beautiful ornate frame of gold. The pendant has a clip-on style bale, which allows the piece to be worn as an enhancer. The chain is a substantial twisted serpentine design, featuring a spring ring clasp, which is in perfect working order. The earrings are a clip-on design for pierced or non pierced ears. This retro vintage era set looks stunning when worn, truly a great addition to any vintage jewelry collection. 

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.

The process was invented in 1805 by Italian chemist Luigi Brugnatelli who plated a very thin gold layer on top of silver. Since then, it has become commonplace in the jewelry world, with many base metals covered in gold, silver, or rhodium.

Measurements: Pendant (Including the bale) 33.00 mm x 21.50 mm     Chain 20"       Earrings 20.00 mm x 17.00 mm 

Stone Size: Crystal Rhinestone (Pendant) 10.00 mm x 8.00 mm      Earrings 7.50 mm x 6.00 mm 

Weight: Necklace 17.70 grams        Earrings 10.40 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Canada

Date: Circa 1970