Catalog: Estate Jewelry (511)

Hallmark: Trifari, sterling

Des Pat Alfred Philippe July 1945, 143989

Dimensions: 1" x 1/2"

It is 2" x 1 7/8" and weighs 25 grams.

Hallmark: Trifari with crown crown.

Condition: Excellent

Dimensions: 3/4" diameter

Hallmark: Trifari, sterling

Des Pat Alfred Philippe July 1945, 143989

Dimensions: 1" x 1/2"

This pin usually retail for $195.00

This brooch has some wear to the vermiel on the front surface.

Hallmark: Cadoro with C in oval cartouche

Circa: 1950s

It can be worn as a pendant or a brooch, but either way, this exceptional piece took untold hours to make and finish with such fine precision.

It is marked, "Talleres de los Ballesteros, Taxco, Gro., 925, Hecho en Mexico. It also has the design number MM34.

According to Billie Hougart's, The Little Book Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks, Talleres de Los Ballesteros was established in the family's home town of Iguala in 1937 by Jalil Majul Ballesteros. It was a family business that eventually moved to Taxco in 1941. They were known as a very successful manufacturer and retailer.

Their stylized, 'B', is a distinguishing mark on their work, which has changed over time. The mark on this piece was used from 1942-1980.

It measures 2 1/2" across the widest part and 2-1/8" across the other direction, and weighs a hefty 26.5 grams. It is a stunning piece of wearable sculpture. This lovely piece is in excellent vintage condition.

Condition: Excellent

Hallmark: none, common accepted attribution

Dimensions: 2 3/8" x 1 1/4"

The Hollycraft Jewelry name

The Hollywood Jewelry Manufacturing Company started using the Hollycraft name in 1948, perhaps because of customer confusion between Hollywood Jewelry Manufacturing’s jewelry and jewelry produced by Joseph of Hollywood. Hanging tags with Hollycraft on one side and “Created by Hollywood Jewelry Mfg. New York” on the flip side originated during that same year.

Hollycraft costume jewelry of the 1950s

The heyday for many Hollycraft collectors is jewelry produced during the 1950s. For one thing, Hollywood Jewelry Manufacturing started marking dates on Hollycraft costume jewelry around 1950, making the jewelry easier to identify. In fact, because of the dating process, and the addition the © sign to Hollycraft costume jewelry after 1955, many collectors choose to collect Hollycraft vintage jewelry by the year.

The look of Hollycraft vintage jewelry

There are two interlocking Hollycraft jewelry signatures to look for. First, Hollycraft vintage jewelry is prized for its beautiful designs using rich, pastel-colored rhinestones. Some designs used a single color, while others used several sparkly colors.