Description
This multi-color, vintage Kramer enamel hinged bangle bracelet is sure to be a crowd pleaser! Its bright pink/green/purple/gold geometric design is the perfect accessory for Easter or any spring day when you want a punch of color to a monochrome outfit. This one-of-a-kind bangle is a standout!
- When closed measures 6.5″ inside
- Vintage condition; minor gold color loss upon close up inspection in few spots (see photos)
About Kramer Jewelry
When someone mentions vintage costume jewelry, probably what comes to mind for many of us are the fabulous rhinestone laden pieces of the 1950s. One of the foremost names in this classic jewelry style was Kramer.
Louis Kramer founded Kramer Jewelry Creations, Inc. in 1943. His two brothers Harry and Morris arrived on the scene shortly thereafter and ran the business aspects of the company allowing Louis to concentrate on jewelry design At a time when many costume jewelry manufacturers were located in Providence, Rhode Island, the company made their home in New York City. While they designed all of their pieces, frequently the actual manufacture was jobbed out to other companies such as Delizza & Elster. The company was best known for their parures (sets) and demi parures of high-quality rhinestones, usually Austrian. Other materials such as art glass were sometimes incorporated into the designs. They also designed jewelry for other companies, most notably Dior in the 1950s and 60s and Geoffrey Beene in the 1970s.
In addition to their classic pieces, another style they made famous was their fabulous floral brooches in rhinestones and/or enamel. In the construction of the jewelry, the rhinestones were usually prong-set. The backs of earlier pieces were either plated with gold or rhodium which is a shiny silver-colored metal. Later pieces in the 60s and 70s had textured backs rather than smooth.
Dating Jewelry
There are several general rules for dating costume jewelry. Prior to 1955 jewelry makers were not able to use copyright law to protect their designs. So any piece marked with a © is later than 1955. Sometimes jewelry companies placed design patents on their pieces prior to that date as copy protection. These numbers are searchable online and show the date the patent was granted which will give you the earliest date a piece might be made. Design patent numbers start with a D. Sometimes the patent number is for a mechanism, such as an earring back, rather than the design. These are called utility patents and these numbers are also searchable. Bear in mind, however, when searching for a utility patent, companies usually used mechanisms for longer periods of time. Metal was rationed during WWII so costume jewelry companies used sterling silver instead and those pieces are marked as such during that time period.
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