Glamour With An Edge - Vintage Signed Sarah Coventry Rhodium Plated Crystal Rhinestone Spike Clip-On Dangly Earrings (VE503)

Glamour With An Edge - Vintage Signed Sarah Coventry Rhodium Plated Crystal Rhinestone Spike Clip-On Dangly Earrings. These gorgeous earrings are crafted from rhodium plate over metal, signed Sarah Cov for Sarah Coventry. They feature numerous round cut faceted crystal rhinestones, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. These earrings are composed of a sparkling rhinestone surmount, featuring vintage clip-on backings for pierced or non pierced ears. Dangling from the surmount are 3 strands of expertly hand-set sparkling rhinestones, and silver spikes. The combination of the rhinestones and the spikes give the earrings a contrasting vintage glamour with a modernistic punk edge. These vintage beauties are a unique, and are a difficult to find design. 

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."

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.

Spiked Jewelry is primarily known for its association with rebellion, strength, and an edgy , non-conformist aesthetic.  Evolving from ancient symbols of protection and power, it was famously adopted by the punk and rock subcultures to make a bold fashion statement. 

Measurements: Earrings 62.00 mm x 12.50 mm 

Stone Size: Crystal Rhinestones 6.50 mm round    4.00 mm round 

Weight: 14.10 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America, New York 

Date: Circa 1970