Recently Sold (VBR219)

New England Glassworks - Vintage Signed 'NE' Pot Metal Crystal Rhinestone Floral Enamel Brooch. This gorgeous brooch is crafted from pot metal, signed NE in a chalice cartouche. This brooch features round cut rhinestones, enamel work, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. The brooch is made in the form of orchid flowers. The flowers are enameled in a beautiful lavender color, and adorned by bright sparkling crystals. The leaves are decorated in green enamel, which looks lovely against the lavender colored flowers. The entire piece showcases exquisite detail throughout. The back of the brooch has a matt finish and it's original safety pin type-hinge, and an early rotary catch closure. The vintage brooch is unique and looks stunning when worn. Truly a highly collectible piece to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Comments: This is a beautiful example of the jewelry that was made by New England Glassworks Company. 

History: The maker's mark of initials NE inside what is variously described as a goblet or chalice (I think wine glass, which would be appropriate if they made many pieces using the pearls for grapes) is for the New England Glass Works Co.

This is a beautiful vintage brooch marked with NE inside of a chalice. This signaturewas used by the New England Glass Works Company between 1911 and 1958.

New England Glass Works operated in Providence, RI from about 1911 to 1958. It became Rice Weiner in 1938, yet continued stamping it's jewelry with the original "NE" Chalice logo. Distinctive cast metal pieces are often in filigree floral and foliage designs set with colorful glass stones and / or rhinestones.

Enamel jewelry has been around since the 13th century B.C.E. Since then, it has evolved and branched out, going in and out of fashion as jewelry trends changed. Enamel jewelry bridges the gap between fine art and jewelry design, blending elements of painting, chemistry, and metallurgy.

Joseph Strasser could be credited with the precursor to our present-day Rhinestone, but it was really when Georg Freidrich Strass in 1760 invented the first ever rhinestone (artificial gemstone) from a special type of crystal found in the Rhine River that the stones we know today were born.

When used to produce jewelry, pot metal is an alloy often made from tin and lead. It is also known as white metal in the jewelry industry, although the color is dull silver when it is not plated. Pot metal is also referenced as base metal since it can be plated with other metals to give it a more polished look. 

The name pot metal comes from the use of a smelting pot to make molten material from scraps of different types of metals. The resulting alloy was suitable for casting many objects, including toys, hardware, and jewelry settings. 

During the 1930s, pot metal was widely used to make a variety of jewelry types in the United States. Most of these pieces were not plated as a cost-saving measure for both manufacturers and consumers during those lean times. Pot metal pieces range from inexpensive dime store items to large brooches marketed by companies like Eisenberg. The designs can be elaborately decorated with rhinestones, cold-painted to add color, or rather plain with few embellishments.

One of the main types of jewelry made using pot metal during the 1930s was the dress clip. While the dress clip qualifies as a type of brooch, these pieces of jewelry feature a single, hinged clip on the back rather than a pin back and clasp. They sometimes come in pairs and can be highly decorative. Dress clips were often worn in “V” necklines or at the corners of square necklines. In addition to dress clips, other items like earrings and necklaces were also made using pot metal. 

After the Depression era, it was less common to find pot metal jewelry offered for sale. Most pieces made in the early 1940s or later were made of sterling silver or base metal plated with gold, silver, or rhodium. 

Pot metal jewelry is identified by the dull silver look of the metal, almost like pewter, when viewed from the back. While the metal may appear to be tarnished silver at first glance, the surface will not gleam brightly when polished like sterling silver or silver-plated jewelry. 

Art Deco influences were frequently interpreted in pot metal, including many dress clip designs. Coro was known for making convertible Duette brooches that could be worn together using a pin back or separated into two dress clips. Trifari produced similar styles called Clip-Mates, although they were made using plated base metal. 

Many different costume jewelry companies marketed pot metal jewelry in the 1930s. Some of the costliest pieces in the collectors’ marketplace are huge brooches marked Eisenberg Original and Staret. Coro made some clever figural pieces during this period as well, some of which are painted. They are usually described as enameled, though the process is different.  

Many other American costume jewelry firms also produced pot metal designs, including bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. One of the lesser-known firms is Little Nemo. 

Measurements: Brooch 85.00 mm x 39.00 mm 

Stone Size: Crystal Rhinestones 3.00 mm each 

Weight: 29.70 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America, Rhode Island     Company: New England Glass Works Co. 

Date: Circa 1920