Richelieu Classics - Vintage Signed 'Richelieu' Gold Plated Faux Pearl & Crystal Rhinestone Clip - On Earrings (VE330)

Richelieu Classics - Vintage Signed 'Richelieu' Gold Plated Faux Pearl & Crystal Rhinestone Clip-On Earrings. These lovely earrings are crafted from gold Plate over metal, signed Richelieu. The gallery on these earrings are set with a beautiful creamy faux pearl, adorned by sparkling crystal rhinestones. The earrings are designed in a unique octagon shape, which display a lovely rich gold color. They are for pierced and non pierced ears, featuring secure clip-on backings. These vintage earrings are high quality, and highly collectible. A wonderful addition to any vintage jewelry collection.  

History: In Ancient Rome glass beads were coated with silver and then coated again with glass in an attempt to replicate the lustre of pearls. Small balls of clay coated with mica powder and then baked, were another early attempt to create the appearance of natural pearls.

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 first known gold plating occurred in northern Peru, where Pre-Columbian smiths gilded and silvered copper pieces by electrochemical replacement techniques. During excavations in the late 1980s, archaeologists discovered gold and silver ornamental and ceremonial artifacts dating all the way back to AD 50-300.

Founded in the early 1880s, the company Joseph H. Meyer Bros Co., based in Brooklyn, New York, first used the brand known as Richelieu in 1882. Richelieu produced jewelry for both women and men, in a variety of styles, fashionable during the XX century. Traditionally inexpensive, Richelieu jewellery became quite popular for its design with artificial pearls, as well as artificial coral. Most of the works of the Richelieu brand, which the collector can meet today, date from 1960-1970s. Richelieu jewellers carefully and masterfully made spectacular decorations of polished metal of gold tone with artificial pearls, clear crystal or colored cabochons. There are decorations with the use of antique metal, but they cost a little more.
In 1978, the Lisner jewelry house, led by David Lisner, bought this company. Accordingly, from that moment they began to label their costume jewellery Lisner-Richelieu. In 1985, the company completed its existence, leaving a stunning collection of jewelry made of Lucite, Austrian rhinestones Aurora Borealis, and rock crystal of high quality.

Measurements: Earrings 23.00 mm x 23.00 mm 

Stone Size: Pearl (simulated) 14.00 mm Round    Crystal Rhinestones: 2.00 mm each 

Weight: 18.00 grams

Condition: Excellent  

Origin: America, New York

Date: Circa 1960