Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A striking mid-century costume statement necklace featuring a rich combination of multi-toned blue rhinestones, deep navy navettes, and luminous white milk glass cabochons. The design uses tiered, prong-set construction on a gold-tone setting to create a dramatic, textured bib effect.
Story
Post-war America saw a boom in glamorous costume jewelry designed to transition from day to evening wear. This piece captures the era's love for bold color contrasts, mixing icy milk glass with deep ocean blues to mimic high-end fine jewelry.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, the complex prong settings, open-back stone mountings, and use of mixed-media cabochons are highly characteristic of major mid-century manufacturers like DeLizza & Elster (makers of Juliana) or Kramer of New York, who produced high-quality costume pieces for department stores.
Condition & Value
The necklace appears to be in very good vintage condition with all stones present and secure in their prongs. The gold-tone plating on the reverse side should be checked for wear or green corrosion (verdigris), which can occur with age and slightly reduce value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.