Coro Sterling Vermeil Nautilus Pendant, Bracelet & Double Fur Clips, Unique Invention!

NWS 15-1464

~ I have never in all my years of collecting seen such an ingenious design as this set. Let's start with the bracelet:

~ The bracelet is made with 2 golden snake chains (called "gas pipe" in the old days). The folding clasp is at the top of the bracelet, so that the bands wrap around the bottom of your wrist and attach at the top. At both ends of the bracelet are dozens of pave-set faux diamonds.

~ From a design perspective, this set should be considered a transitional piece, in between Art Deco (1925-1938) to Retro (1938-1952). The  bracelet has a distinctive Art Deco look.

~ Now here's the thing: the bracelet's centerpiece is removable! It is attached to the top of the bracelet with a mechanism that is similar to the mechanism Coro used in making Duettes. This photo shows the bracelet with the centerpiece removed. The centerpiece is actually a fur clip which then can be worn separately. Sheer genius.

~ Here's a photo of the back of the bracelet's centerpiece, a fur clip. The prongs are in perfect condition, though the angle of the photo makes them look odd. The prongs allow the clip to be safely anchored to any fabric or fur. The clip mechanism retains its perfect snap. Look underneath the prongs to see the Coro signature:  here's a close-up ("Coro STERLING" with the Pegasus logo):

~ This set is made of vermeil, with dozens of faceted, faux aquamarines in an oval shape, made to look like the outer petals of a flower perhaps. At the center of each flower is a cluster of faceted, faux rubies in another floral form. These stones are on top of the aquamarines, for a 3 dimensional effect.

~ This is, of course, a classic Retro design, with its perfect symmetry and swirling curves. Even so, I think perhaps Coro had in mind a nautilus. If so, the use of aquamarine crystals is perfect for an ocean theme. At right can be seen a nautilus sea shell. See any similarities?

When the bracelet is put together, it measures 1.75" wide at the centerpiece (obviously the widest part)  and 6.25" long. That's a bit on the short side, so please measure your wrist.

~ The bracelet itself is marked "Sterling Silver" on the underside of the clasp.

~ As you can see from the photos, there are 2 fur clips in this set. One on the bracelet, and the other one, the larger, is independent. And you're not going to believe this, but this larger fur clip also has 2 loops on the back so that it can also be worn as a pendant. That just blows my mind. In this one set, we actually have 2 fur clips, a bracelet and a pendant. That's 4 pieces of jewelry in one set! How's that for ingenuity? You get a lot for your money here!

~ Note from the photos that the 2nd fur clips is larger than the one of the bracelet. It measures 2" high and 1.75" wide, perfect for a pendant or a clip.

~ The signature on the reverse has the famous flying Pegasus, and a square marked "Coro Craft STERLING". I believe the signature dates this set to 1944-46, because the use of sterling (required during WW II), and the style of the mark. For more info, please see Evolution of Coro Trademarks here at Fabulous Facets. You'll find this mark the 9th one down, although the mark on this fur clip also has the word "STERLING". The clip mechanism is also marked "STERLING".

c. 1945, in excellent vintage condition, with minor areas of wear to the vermeil.

Research: Featured in the book, Fun Jewelry, by Nancy Schiffer, p. 50.

Price = $895.00       a-c, b 5, clips 2, sets 3, retro 2