Boucher 'Ballet of Jewels' Sterling Vermeil Dancer Brooch

NWS 7-1385

~ Another beauty from Marcel Boucher! Note that this brooch is made of solid sterling silver, and has a soft goldwash on the surface, called vermeil. During World War II, costume jewelry designers were obliged to use sterling silver for their jewelry, as all other metals had been restricted for the war effort. You may find other brooches from Boucher's Ballet Series, but most of them are not made of sterling, because they were issued later, in 1949 & 1950. I believe this brooch is an earlier piece, not only because it's made of sterling, but also because there's no patent number on the reverse. The ones issued later had the patent numbers stamped on the back (design patent no. 154,095 & 154,096). I think this brooch was made before the patent was filed, my guess is 1947. It bears the "MB" signature, as well as Boucher's phrygian cap logo.

~ This glorious ballet dancer has a sculpted musculature and grace that is emphasized with pavé-set, faceted, faux diamonds. The implied movement was popular in the Retro design period of the 1940's, called "frozen movement".

~ It was the fashion in the 1940's that diamonds were often set into silvertone metal for added brilliance. Therefore, even though this brooch is goldplated, the areas set with crystals are plated in rhodium, a platinum-like setting.

~ This brooch measures 3" high and 3" wide.

~ Signed on the reverse "STERLING", and a number I cannot read.

c. 1947, in excellent condition, with almost no wear to the vermeil. The plating is so bright that it picked up reflections from the room, making it look dark. Believe me, it's not. It's gorgeous!

Research: For more information about the Boucher Ballet Series brooches, see the book, American Costume Jewelry, by Brunialti & Brunialti, p. 205-207.

Price = $435.00 b 2, a-c 2

Who was Boucher?