Recently Sold (VBR178)

Tulip- Vintage Marcel Boucher Gold plated Cultured Pearl Flower Brooch. This lovely brooch is crafted from a heavy gold plate over a base metal. Signed Boucher,and numbered 86771P.  Featuring a genuine cultured pearl , vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. The brooch is made in the form of a tulip flower, which is adorned with a beautiful pearl. The pearl is white,  displaying a champagne color overtone. The flower, leaves, feature a brushed satin finish, whilst the stem is polished. The pin and lock system are in perfect working order, and sits perfectly on clothing. The vintage Boucher brooch is highly collectible, and looks stunning when worn. A high quality piece to be cherished for many years to come. 

History: Marcel Boucher was one of the most talented designers and manufacturers of American costume jewelry in the 20th century. His jewelry was notable from the very beginning due to the excellent design and high-quality materials. It was commonly mistaken for precious jewelry. 

Born in Paris, Marcel Boucher worked as a jewelry designer for Cartier, who brought him to the United States. In the 1930s., he took a job with Mazer Bros., where he worked until he founded his own company in 1937. Boucher made a name for himself creating bold, imaginative, enamelled pieces that were individual works of art, with brooches shaped like fruits, animals, and human figures. In particular, collectors covet for his fantasy bird pieces from the 1940s. Boucher items, which are usually signed, can be roughly dated based on their inventory number and mark. In 1944, he changed the company to Marcel Boucher Ltd. to Marcel Boucher & Cie. Early pieces may be marked "Marboux" or with his initials in a cartouche. "MB Sterling"was used between 1942 and 1944.  Pieces made between 1944 and 1949 may be marked with a Phrygian cap above his initials.  Later pieces are marked "Marcel Boucher" or "Boucher". After 1955 the copyright symbol appears above his name. When Marcel Boucher dies in 1965, his wife Sandra, took over the company. In 1972, the company became a subsidiary of watchmaker Dovorn Industries. 

It was first cultivated by the Turks as early as 1000AD. Mania in Turkey struck in the 16th century, at the time of the Ottoman Empire, when the Sultan demanded cultivation of particular blooms for his pleasure. The name 'tulip' came from the Turkish word for turban.

By 1636, the tulip bulb became the fourth leading export product of the Netherlands, after gin, herrings, and cheese. The price of tulips skyrocketed because of speculation in tulip futures among people who never saw the bulbs. Many men made and lost fortunes overnight.

Measurements: Brooch 82.00 mm x 26.00 mm 

Stone Size: Pearl 3.00 mm  

Weight: 14.40 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America, New York 

Date: Circa 1950