Champagne & Crystals - Vintage Signed Sarah Coventry Rhodium Plated Pearl & Crystal Rhinestone Clip-On Dangly Earrings (VE502)

Champagne & Crystals - Vintage Signed Sarah Coventry Rhodium Plated Pearl & Crystal Rhinestone Clip-On Dangly Earrings. These elegant earrings are crafted from. rhodium plate over metal, signed Sarah Cov for Sarah Coventry. They feature two round simulated pearls, numerous round cut faceted crystal rhinestones, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. These earrings are comprised of a beautiful sparkling crystal surmount , featuring clip-on backings for pierced and non pierced ears. The surmounts showcase a dangly large lustrous creamy/white pearl, displaying silvery/champagne overtones. These vintage beauties would make perfect bridal or special occasion earrings.

History: Two forms of faux pearls were manufactured in Italy, the earliest, produced from at least the 13th century, and hailing from the ingenious glass workshops of Venice, were imitation glass pearls. Some of these pearls were apparently made from an intriguing mixture of powdered glass, snail slime and egg white.

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."

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.

Each piece of jewelry has identifying marks, which varied over the years. Sarah Coventry jewelry bore the following identifying marks: "Coventry" - First use 1949. "Sarah Coventry" - First use 1949.

You'll find pieces made from both silvertone and gold-colored metals, often set with large faux pearls and other gemstone simulants. Sarah Coventry jewelry was most popular during the 1950s and 1960s and continued to be offered at home parties for a few years after the company's 1981 bankruptcy.

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: Earrings 48.00 mm x 22.00 mm 

Stone Size: Pearl (Simulated) 14.00 mm round          Crystal Rhinestones 3.00 mm each 

Weight: 15.10 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America, New York 

Date: Circa 1970