Swarovski Aurora Borealis Rhinestone
In the middle part of the 1950’s Swarovski designed a special rhinestone for Christian Dior. The new rhinestone design was called aurora borealis with regard to the northern lights. This new design was also used by the New York jewellers Weiss to produce a range of jewellery for evening wear which became extremely influential. The aurora borealis designs by Weiss were of high quality and the firm received much accolade for their work
1950's Parure sets, with Necklaces, Earrings and Brooches
In the conservative 50s, a period when matching sweater sets were considered proper, women wanted their jewellery to match also. Therefore costume jewellery was produced in parures, with matching necklaces, earrings, brooches and sometimes bracelets. These jewellery sets are technically demi-parures, as they are not big enough to be considered a full suite of jewellery.
The 50s and 60s saw a revival in the Victorian Era charm bracelet, a fashion made popular by Jacqueline Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor. Naturally, costume jewellers got in on the charm-making business, as women and young girls would add charms and lockets to their bracelets to signify particular moments in their lives. Given the detailed craftsmanship people do not consider it junk at all, and many of the jewellery pieces, are now highly treasured by collectors.
