Vintage 1950s Costume Necklace Midcentury Aurora Borealis Crystal Collar, Likely Jewelcraft

✈️ USA DELIVERY BONUS: Fast tracked insured delivery London-USA 4-6 business days. Sent DDP: we pay all USA tax & duties. No surprise delivery fees! 

This brilliant Mid-Century rhodium plated blue aurora borealis crystal collar, dating from the late 1950s, embodies the refined sculptural aesthetic of high-quality American costume jewellery of the period. Though unsigned, the design and quality of execution and finish mark it out as a very likely Jewelcraft piece, since many of their creations were sold without a signature, as part of department store collections. 

At the time this necklace was created, aurora borealis was the very latest fashion, evocative of the high glamour of Dior and cutting edge technology of Swarovski, who first created AB crystal in 1955. The design of this necklace is composed of graceful articulated scrollwork links set with clusters of graduated aurora borealis crystals with a rich blue base and iridescent gold green and violet flashes. The foil-backed crystals are securely set and retain their exceptional brilliance and depth. Aurora Borealis was adies of the 1950s wore rich glowing necklaces such as this one with evening wear. 

The necklace measures 17 inches in length, with a hook and tail clasp which allows the length to be adjusted as needed. The bib is 0.8 inch wide. The metalwork is finished in bright rhodium-plated metal and demonstrates a level of weight and construction associated with higher quality designer production rather than mass-market costume jewellery. The reverse is neatly finished, with open-back settings that allow light to enhance the stones’ reflective qualities. An original folded hook clasp with extension chain completes the piece; this style of fastening is consistent with quality mid-century manufacture and allows the necklace's length to be adjusted by attaching the hook to the appropriate link in the extension chain. 

The necklace has a strong stylistic affinity with the work of American costume jewellery houses, particularly Jewelcraft.  Its balanced proportions, fluid articulation, and confident use of form place it firmly within the collector category. This is a sophisticated and well-preserved example of mid-century evening jewellery, offered in excellent vintage condition and suitable for both wear and collection.

FEATURES SUMMARY: 
- A beautiful 1950s Midcentury costume necklace in pristine condition
- American designer quality, with rhodium plated finish. Unsigned, but likely Jewelcraft (they are known to have produced many unsigned pieces)
- Brilliant, well preserved blue Aurora Borealis rhinestone crystals, in excellent condition
- Articulated scrollwork links set with brilliant rhinestone clusters, considered appropriate for evening wear in the 1950s.
- A fine exemplar of its kind, incredibly well preserved

ABOUT AURORA BOREALIS
The Aurora Borealis (AB) coating on rhinestones and crystals was developed in 1955 as a collaboration between Christian Dior and the Swarovski company. The Austrian crystal maker Daniel Swarovski's descendants worked with Dior to create the iridescent, multi-coloured coating that gives the characteristic rainbow shimmer effect. It was first unveiled in Dior's 1955 collection, and the name "Aurora Borealis" was chosen to evoke the natural northern lights phenomenon that the coating mimics.
It became one of the most iconic and widely copied finishes in costume jewellery and crystal design, and Swarovski went on to apply the AB coating across their entire range of crystals. It remains hugely popular to this day in jewellery, fashion, and craft applications.

ITEM DETAILS: 
ERA/STYLE 1950s Midcentury
MEASUREMENTS 17 inches long, 0.6 inch wide
MATERIALS Rhodium plated metal, glass, aurora borealis rhinestones
SIGNATURES/HALLMARKS None, but probably a Jewelcraft creation.
FASTENINGS Hook and extension chain
CONDITION Remarkably well preserved: pristine.

✈️ USA DELIVERY BONUS: Fast tracked insured delivery London-USA 4-6 business days. Sent DDP: we pay all USA tax & duties. No surprise delivery fees!
T&C
All our vintage and antique items are offered in good/very good, fully wearable condition.

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Thank you for visiting us! Alice xx