Joseph Crab Set

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Joseff of Hollywood Crab With Pearl Brooch & Earrings Set

NWS 15-1194

~ Joseff was the jeweler for the Hollywood movie moguls from 1930 to 1948, when his career as a designer was tragically cut short by his death in a plane crash. At the time of his death, Eugene Joseff was designing at least 90 percent of the jewelry used in productions in Hollywood. It was his artistic talents and his penchant for historical detail that earned him the fame he deserved. He designed the "period" jewelry for "Gone With the Wind" and dozens upon dozens of other famous movies, adorning all of the most famous Hollywood stars

~ Joseff's early jewelry was not mass produced. He created specific designs for specific movies, then "rented" those jewels to the producers, so his early jewelry is not commonly found on the open market. The early jewelry can be distinguished by his first mark, which was "JOSEFF HOLLYWOOD" in block letters. The crab and pearl set above bears this oldest signature

~ The brooch has a large, goldtone scallop shell, decorated both on the front and the reverse, so that it looks like a real shell

~ The crab has climbed up over the edge of the shell, attracted by a large, glass pearl which he touches with his claws; the crab is incredibly detailed, depicting the individual plates of his shell with little bumps and edges; one can also see his eyes and mouth, and even the little "teeth" in his very crabby claws! Absolutely A - DOR - A - BLE!

~ What is astonishing is that the matching earrings (not marked) are still together with the brooch. Sets like this often are broken up over the years, which makes this one a rare find for the collector; still together after 60+ years,.... amazing. Here we see a young Rita Hayworth wearing Joseff's crab brooch centered between the her collar. So lovely!

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~ The earrings have screw backs and measure just under 1" high and also slightly under 1" wide

~ The brooch is substantial and measures 2.5" high and 2.25" wide

~ All 3 glass pearls have been inspected under magnification and are in excellent condition

Research: The brooch - without the earrings - can be found in Judith Miller's book, Costume Jewelry, The Complete Visual Reference and Price Guide, p. 82. The earrings - without the brooch - are featured in the book, Costume Jewelry, Identification & Price Guide, by Harrice S. Miller, p. 182. As you can see, finding them together as a set is a rare find indeed!

c. 1940, in excellent vintage condition, simply superb!

Price = $425.00

Who was Joseff?