Recently Sold (VN194)

Glistening Leaves - Vintage Rare Signed LUGANO Gold Plate Austrian Swarovski Aurora Borealis Crystal Rhinestone Necklace. This wonderful necklace is crafted from gold plate over metal, signed LUGANO. The necklace features numerous marquise Swarovski aurora borealis crystals, numerous round cut faceted crystals, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. This necklace is comprised of expertly hand-set marquise cognac AB crystal rhinestones, which display flashes of colour in different light intensities. The round crystals showcases a beautiful cognac colour. This creative design showcases overlapping wreaths. which sparkle like diamonds. The necklace features a hidden push-type clasp, which is also adorned with rhinestones., and in perfect working order. This vintage LUGANO necklace is quite rare and is comparable in quality to SHERMAN jewelry. 

History: Originally, rhinestones were rock crystals gathered from the river Rhine, hence the name, although some were also found in areas like the Alps (the source of the Rhine). Today the name "rhinestone" applies only to varieties of lead glass known as crystal glass.

In 1862, Daniel Swarovski was born in Bohemia to a family that owned a crystal-cutting company. Now part of the Czech Republic, the Bohemia region has a rich history of crystal crafsmanship. 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.

In 1911, Daniel Swarovski and his family built their own glassworks factory and produced premium quality glass. During the 1920's, the "flapper" fashion trend caused a surge in demand for fashionable Swarovski designs. Shorter women's hairstyles led Swarovski to create a crystal-embellished fabric headband, which was also used as trimming for clothing. After the end of World War II, the company founded Swarovski Optik which used its expertise in glass manufacturing to create lenses, binoculars, and telescopes, making Swarovski a market leader in precision optics.

In the years following World War II, fashion became a huge trend. Popular designers such as Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and other Hollywood designers snapped up Swarovski crystal designs. In 1956, Daniel Swarovski collaborated with Christian Dior to create the popular Aurora Borealis (AB) effect that is still used to this day on crystal colors.

During this era, Hollywood designers started using Swarovski Crystals en masse. Marilyn Monroe wore crystal in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and during her famous birthday song to John F Kennedy. Swarovski Crystals were also used for the Ruby Slippers in "The Wizard of Oz" and they made appearances in "Sabrina" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's." In 1974, the company developed the Hotfix technology allowing crystals to be fixed directly to clothing and fabrics without metal or plastic settings. In 1989, Swarovski replaced its original Edelweiss logo with the Swan logo, which is used on Swarovski packaging and storefronts around the world.

1956: At the age of 93, Daniel Swarovski dies on January 23, 1956. This same year, the Aurora Borealis effect (AB) was developed (it was named after the Northern Lights). Christian Dior was the first designer who worked with Crystal AB for his collections.

Gold plating was used by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks to decorate their temples, monuments, and jewelry. Over time, the process of gold plating has evolved, and today, it is used to create a wide variety of jewelry pieces, from necklaces and bracelets to earrings and rings.

Measurements: Necklace 17" 

Stone Size: Variation of shapes and sizes

Weight: 42.60 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Switzerland, Lugano 

Date: Circa 1950