Butterfly Brooch, Designer WEISS, Red Rhinestones, Japanned Metal, Vintage

WEISS jewelry is always collectible and desirable, and this lovely three-dimensional, filigreed metal, butterfly brooch is spectacular. The wings are set with a multitude of glittering clear ice and red rhinestones, interspersed with opaque red glass cabochons. The body is black glass navette jewels. The head has glittering red eyes and clear rhinestones on its antennas. The entire brooch has a black Japanned finish. It has a rolling “C” clasp. This is a really outstanding example of a butterfly brooch from Weiss, and is the perfect accessory to wear with scarves, on your jacket, sweater, tops or to adorn favorite hats. It is signed on the back: WEISS, with the copyright symbol. Albert Weiss jewelry is widely collected and is known for using only the highest quality rhinestones and exquisite workmanship which is evident in this brooch. From the early 1940s into the early 1970s, Weiss was one of the most recognized names in fine quality costume jewelry. I purchased this brooch as part of an estate from a woman who owned an antique store and was a collector of purses, jewelry, vintage collectibles, and artwork for her entire life. Many of the items from her estate were NOS, New Old Stock, or rarely, if ever, worn. This appears to be one of those pieces. It is from the 1950s - 1960s. Approximate measurements: • 2 inches in height • 2 ¼ inches in width • 3/8 inch in depth CONDITION: Very good to excellent vintage condition. There are no missing jewels or cabochons, and they are all shiny, sparkly and look lovely. The rolling clasp and pin are in work perfectly. The Japanned metal setting is in pristine condition. It appears to be rarely, if ever, worn. This is a vintage item, and has been gently used. I have done my best to describe it, but it is possible that a small defect could have escaped my notice. Please look at the photos, as they will give you a good idea of the overall condition of this vintage item. INFORMATION ABOUT WEISS: Weiss jewelry is one of the designers any serious collector of vintage jewelry should try to own. Albert Weiss (1942-1971) was the originator of the company. He gained much experience working as an apprentice for the Corocraft Company during the 1930s. He honed his skills there and had a very fine eye for detail. In 1942, he opened his own jewelry business, and also his factory which was dedicated to the manufacture of hand set pieces only. One of the hallmarks of early Weiss jewelry was the use of quality stones and he got many of his supplies from Austria, since these stones had a higher lead content and gave his pieces a particularly dazzling appeal. His company was small but grew steadily so that in the 1950's and 1960's he had to contract work out to be manufactured by Hollycraft, in order to keep up with the demand. Weiss jewelry designs are all sought and highly collectible today. More photos of this item are available and can be shared upon request. Contact me with any questions. Thank you for visiting RetroRitaGallery. I hope you will save me to your favorites and check back with me. *Accessories shown in photos are for inspiration only. Materials: Vintage glass rhinestones, glass cabochons, Japanned metal, rolling C safety closure clasp, signed WEISS