Neato - Vintage Gold Plated Faux Pearl & Austrian Swarovski Aurora Borealis Crystal Rhinestone Sweater Guard (VA012)

Neato - Vintage Gold Plated Faux Pearl & Austrian Swarovski Aurora Borealis Crystal Rhinestone Sweater Guard. This wonderful sweater guard is crafted from gold plate over metal. Featuring Faux pearls, Austrian Swarovski Crystal Rhinestones, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. This lovely sweater clip is comprised of connected with silvery white connected pearls, and two decorative clips, adorned with pearls and sparkling crystals. The clips are meant to be clipped onto each side of the sweater, whilst the pearl chain keeps the sweater from opening up. This pretty and useful vintage accessory makes a great gift, or addition to your vintage collection. 

History: Two forms of faux pearls were manufactured in Italy, the earliest, produced from at least the 13th century, and hailing from the ingenious glass workshops of Venice, were imitation glass pearls. Some of these pearls were apparently made from an intriguing mixture of powdered glass, snail slime and egg white.

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.

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 1956: Daniel Swarovski's grandson, Manfred, introduces the Aurora Borealis: an iridescent coating applied to crystal rhinestones that produces a rainbow effect. In collaboration with French fashion designer Christian Dior, the stone is launched into the fashion spotlight, cementing a new era in both industries.

Sweater guards were very popular during the 1950s era. It was quite fashionable for women to wear their sweaters loosely over their shoulders at that time. The sweater guard, clipped to each side of the sweater, held it in place.

Measurements: Sweater Clip  7" 

Stone Size: Pearls (Faux) 6.00 mm - 3.00 mm       Swarovski Crystal 2.00 mm 

Weight: 15.70 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1950