VINTAGE signed Bogoff rhodium plating crown crystal clear rhinestones 701 For some reason, the camera did not pick up the stupendous pop of sparkle and fire these beauties boast about. There is a large briilian round cut crystal clear rhinestone in the center of each crown that is embelished on all sides with smaller brilliant round crystal clear rhinestones. Nor does the camera pick up the brilliance of the heavily rhodium plated cups and structure of the crown. The reverse reveals again the heavy plating that shows no sign of age or wear as it looks like these were never worn. The clip mechanism is engraved in block letter BOGOFF and each have great tension. Henry Bogoff (circa 1940-1958) was one of the top three premiere costume jewelry makers of the time producing treasures for many of the finer department stores in Chicago like Lord Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue, and eventually globally. This pair are no exception to that philosophy as they are stunning and pop with fire and sparkle in the least amount of light and with the slightest movement. These need to be worn and admired. Jewels by Bogoff circa 1940-1958 Jewels by Bogoff was founded in 1940 and eventually became one of the country's leading designers and manufacturers of costume jewelry. Henry was responsible for the designs and styling. In addition to original creations, Henry's exceptional memory enabled him to visit upscale jewelers, particularly in New York City, and then return to Chicago and translate their diamond and precious stone designs into his own rhinestone creations. Model makers translated the design from paper into a hand-made prototype. These were duplicated and used to make a vulcanized rubber production mold. Molten white metal was centrifugally cast in these molds, and the raw castings were then polished by hand. Earring and pin backs were soldered on, bracelets and necklaces were assembled using foot powered wedging machines, and the assembled pieces were then plated with either rhodium or gold. Finally, each rhinestone was glued into place by hand. Jewels by Bogoff had a reputation for very high quality, and every piece was guaranteed for life. Yvette was one of the first women to head a major sales organization. With the end of World War II and the country's almost insatiable demand for luxury consumer goods, Jewels by Bogoff prospered. In addition to the factory showroom at 31 South Franklin Street in Chicago, the firm had showrooms in Los Angeles and on Fifth Avenue in New York. By the early 50's there were more than 200 employees working hard to keep up with orders from major retailers including Sears, J.C. Penney, Saks Fifth Avenue, Carson’s, Hudson’s, and Zales. Jewels by Bogoff was a regular advertiser in the leading fashion magazines of the time including Harper's and Vogue, and for many years was reportedly the country's third largest costume jewelry manufacturer after Trifari and Coro. Jewels by Bogoff prospered until Henry's untimely death in 1958. Yvette tried to keep the business going, first in Chicago and then in New York, but changing consumer tastes and the loss of Henry's participation lead to the closing of the business in the early 60's. (Retrieved from www.illusionsjewelsdotcom 02-18-2018)