Crystal Demi Parure Appraisal

Vintage Vendome Faux Pearl and Aurora Borealis Crystal Demi-Parure

This set consists of a double-strand bracelet and matching clip-on cluster earrings, exemplary of the mid-century high-end costume jewelry produced by Vendome, a subsidiary of Coro. The pieces feature a combination of lustrous baroque faux pearls in varied creamy hues and faceted aurora borealis (AB) coated glass crystals. The bracelet is constructed with two strands of hand-wired or threaded beads, separated by small gold-tone spacer beads, and secured with an ornate, textured gold-tone fold-over clasp featuring decorative conical finials. The matching earrings are designed in a dense cluster or 'pompom' style, mounted on gold-tone backing. The faux pearls exhibit characteristic baroque textures with slight surface irregularities to mimic natural pearls. While generally well-preserved, there is visible minor thinning of the pearlescent nacre coating on some beads and characteristic oxidation or 'verdigris' patination on the metal components, particularly around the clasp and wiring. This style dates from the late 1950s to the 1960s, a period when Vendome was renowned for using high-quality glass and intricate hand-assembly techniques to compete with luxury designers. The craftsmanship is evidenced by the density of the clusters and the multi-strand tension of the bracelet.