Blue & White Wreath - Vintage Rhodium Plated Crystal Rhinestone Brooch (VBR329)

Blue & White Wreath - Vintage Rhodium Plated Crystal Rhinestone Brooch. This gorgeous brooch is crafted from rhodium plate. The brooch features numerous round cut faceted crystal rhinestones, numerous baguette cut crystal rhinestones, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. This brooch is made in the form of a wreath, which is expertly hand-set with beautiful clear, and sapphire blue sparkling crystal rhinestones. The back of the brooch features a pin, and rotary locking mechanism, in perfect working order. This wonderful brooch is high quality, and in wonderful vintage condition. 

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.

Initially, the primary application of rhodium involved its use as a catalyst rather than in jewellery plating. It was only in the 1930s that the concept of rhodium plating emerged, paving the way for its integration into the jewellery industry by the 1950s.

Measurements: Brooch 41.00 mm x 32.50 mm 

Stone Size: Crystal Rhinestone (Round) 8.00 mm - 4.00 mm - 3.50 mm - 3.00 mm       (Pear Shape) 10.00 mm x 6.00 mm  (Marquise) 16.00 mm x 4.50 mm      10.00 mm x 5.00 mm 

Weight: 7.60 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Canada 

Date: Circa 1960