Diamond and Gold Lion Necklace by Craft

NWS 1-1528

~ This exquisite necklace is signed "Craft", which means it hails from the global mecca of costume jewelry excellence - Providence, RI., where all the greatest masters produced jewelry in the 20th century. Craft was owned by Gem-Craft which was founded by Gene Verrecchia, a famous name most collectors instantly recognize. Gene Verrecchia worked as Coro's head designer for over 30 years, and many of their most famous designs lay to Gene's credit. Gene owned his own jewelry company for many years while working for Coro; however, this mark, "Craft" was only used in 1979, making it exceedingly rare. I've never seen this necklace before. Have you? Right,... and I doubt you will.

~ The lion's mane is the show stopper, flowing wild and flecked with diamonds.

~ His eye is depicted with one faceted, faux emerald.

~ The clasp is a folding one at the terminating ends of the "gas pipe" type of gold tone bands that were fashionable in the 1970's - a look back to the 1930's when similar snake bands were all the rage. This bands, however, have more of a foliate, or chevron, shape and are much less stiff. The band measures .5" wide. Very nice.

~  Necklace measures 16.5" long. The lion's head is 2.65" wide and 2.45" high.

c. 1979, in excellent condition, just extraordinary.

Price = $495.00nex, a-c