Monet Sterling Silver Vermeil Brooch With Rose And Yellow Gold Wash

This huge two-tone brooch was made by Monet in the mid-1940s.  Like most jewelry made by Monet at this time, the base metal is Sterling Silver.  When Sterling Silver is plated wth gold it is called "vermeil" (pronounced "vermay"). 

Costume jewelry made during the 1940s was still influenced by the art deco style of the 1920s and 1930s, but had softer lines with more feminine curves and movment.  Designs where now also much bolder, made to be noticed, and often made for evening wear.  Cocktail parties were a very popular form of entertainment during this time, and the term "cocktail jewelry" came from such gatherings.  Jewelry motifs at this time included animals, clowns, ballerinas, knots, and of course, bows.

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.ebay.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Collectible Jewels. Retrieved 2/9/2011 from http://www.collectiblejewels.com/monet.html

Mainely Urns. Retrieved 2/9/2011 from http://www.mainelyurns.com/gold-vermeil-sterling-silver.html

Antiques Avenue. Retrieved 2/9/2011 from http://www.antiquesavenue.com/vintage-costume-jewellery-history-the-1940s/2009/07/