My precious.......

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Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

I love the early designs produced by the Pennino Brothers who were in business from the mid 1920s-1961. Over the years different designer/jewelers worked for and with the brothers. Ralph DeRosa and Panetta were among them.

I own a number of samples of Pennino work from the decades that they produced some of the very finest costume jewelry. These pieces were meant to mimic the real thing. Some of their design signatures were riveted pieces, use of sterling silver and vermeil. Heavy plating, top quality crystals, prong set stones with open backs.

I found this brooch in a most unlikely place....a thrift store. Some of the plating has worn away to reveal the sterling on ribbon tail. But there is still a beautiful rose gold color on much of the brooch. Outstanding faceted topaz colored open backed crystals are studded with poured glass red cabochon and clear prong set chaton for the stamens of the marigold. At least it looks like a marigold spray to me.

It is signed on the back Pennino sterling. It's one of my most prized pieces. This brooch is quite large measuring in at over 4" long and weight is about 48 gms.

Be well this weekend.

~HDRose