Miriam Haskell Unsigned Encased Milky Pink Fire Opal Foil Glass Cabochon Amethyst Rhinestone Gold Gilt Layered Screw-back Earrings
Miriam Haskell Unsigned Encased Milky Pink Fire Opal Foil Glass Cabochon Amethyst Rhinestone Gold Gilt Layered Screw-back Earrings
Materials and Features:
Layered antiqued-gold brass gilt filigree earrings with chaton rhinestones and glass cabochon centres
Prong set oval milky pink / fire opal rainbow glass cabochon centres
Two light amethyst chaton rhinestones prong set to each filigree petal and one dark amethyst chaton rhinestone crowning the top
Glass cabochons glow purple hue with UV light
Magnet does not stick to brass / base
Type: Screw-back
Age/Origin: 1940’s
Marks: Unmarked
Other: Miriam Haskell set up her business in 1926 and soon afterwards took on Frank Hess as her chief designer. At this time the company did not sign any of its pieces with a permanent tag, but only a paper one (black and gold). It was only in the 1940's that a permanent signature was attached to protect the Haskell name from cheaper competition that imitated her style.
The first signature was a semicircular plaque (horseshoe) that was attached to the back of the piece. This probably began in 1947/48 but was not put on all pieces. Then in the early 1950's the tag was changed to an flat oval shape with ''MIRIAM HASKELL'' stamped on to it. The stamping came through to the other side, but indented and, of course, reversed. This tag was usually attached to the back of the piece but was also used as a hangtag.
This tag was used until the late 1970's, but it was then changed to a similar tag but without the stamping coming through to the reverse (''flat back''). This tag is still being used.
Haskell also produced a special edition in the 1990's which required the addition of an identification number to the center of the tag.
Clasps were usually bought with the Haskell signature in raised letters already imprinted inside an oval on to the flat metal rear of the clasp.
Measurements:
Weight: 12.5g
Dimensions: Approx. 1.125” x 1.125”
Condition: Very good condition