You know, there's pink....and then there's PANK.
PANK is that punched up, truly hot, standout pink that grabs your attention and keeps it.
Well, now, THIS parure is PANK:
What's a parure?
You have a parure when you have three or more pieces of a design line. In this case, Ellen has FIVE: three brooches, a pair of earrings and a wonderful bangle bracelet. These are made in a very pretty Old World style that was most popular in the 50's. It looks so much like vintage West German jewelry, but in this case, the pieces are signed ART.
ART JEWELRY has a very Victorian look, even a Renaissance style. It was not high end jewelry but a good mid-line product that was sold in department stores. The mark, as I understand it, was used mostly late 40's to mid 60's. It has a look very similar to jewelry signed Florenza, as well.
Although jewelry with the ART mark is not jewelry of huge value, the fact that Ellen has this large parure with three styles of brooches, and the fact that it's pink---no, PANK!---make it quite valuable, and in fact, quite a treasure.
What you see here is a reason why NOT to tear down small brooches or a pair of earrings that have a signature on them. There are collectors out there who are trying to collect together a parure....and would be happy to pay you good money to get something they need to complete one.
And....with the money you get from THAT, you could buy the things you really want, for your own design business!
As for me, I just learn reams from looking at jewelry like this. Think about it: what could you do with vintage or new Czech art cabochons, mounts and filigree to make a look similar to this one!
We have a lot of what you need to make vintage style jewelry at B'sue Boutiques
You will find more of Ellen Gonchar's jewelry at:
wow! i love these pieces. the colour is so beautiful and pops right out! :-)
Posted by: Janine Fowler | April 20, 2012 at 02:40 PM
Thanks B'sue!! I continue to look for more pieces of the ART....just love it :)
Posted by: Ellen Wodoslawsky Gonchar | April 20, 2012 at 04:10 PM
That set is gorgeous....
Posted by: Terry | April 20, 2012 at 07:00 PM
Those are luscious shades of pink! I like these a lot.
Posted by: Wire Jewelry | April 20, 2012 at 10:00 PM
Beautiful set! and I learned two new words :)
Posted by: Candy W. | April 21, 2012 at 02:19 PM
Oh wow! I guess I never thought of that. I LOVE ART pieces. They are so beautiful!
Posted by: Stephanie | April 23, 2012 at 10:29 AM