Every once in a while I run into costume jewelry so big and sparkly that I turn into that little girl happily watching Mom get dressed up to go out - like this stunning circa 1950s set of brooch and earrings by famed mid-20th century fashion designer Nettie Rosenstein (1890-1980). The large three-dimensional flower is covered in glittering pavé-set rhinestones set in silver-tone metal, the brooch is a little over 2" across, the petal shape clip earrings measure approx. 1⅛" x ¾". Typical of Rosenstein's designs, it's beautifully constructed and well-designed, with the tiny crystals still bright decades later.
Born is Austria, Nettie Rosencrans emigrated to the U.S. as a child, later marrying ladies underwear manufacturer Saul Rosenstein in 1913. Soon after her marriage, she started designing and making dresses in her home, by the 1920s she was very successful, her designs (including the classic "little black dress") were highly regarded and very popular despite being in the upper price range of ready-to-wear. Here's
Nettie's biography in the
Jewish Women's Archive.
A
Morning Glory Collects page shows a wonderful selection of the imaginative
Rosenstein jewelry.
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