Kramer Large Purple Art Glass and Faux Pearl Jewelled Spray Brooch, Made in Austria 1960s

Kramer Purple Art Glass and Faux Pearl Jewelled Spray Brooch, Made in Austria 1960s featuring the larger design of a series of beautiful mid-century Kramer designs with grape, lavender and purple tones, and white faux pearls.  Vari tone purple foiled art glass stones, are mounted on stems with the pins extending through to the ends.  Faceted crystals in grape, lavender and aurora borealis are secured in prong settings and larger oval purple glass stones, one table-side up and one table-side down (to show the pavilion of facets on top) are open backed for light reflection and set in dog tooth settings with decorative circles at the base of each prong.  Faux pearls are on stems without piercing pins.  Both the “KRAMER” and “Made in Austria” markings seen on these brooches have been obscured by some solder work, the brooch is otherwise in very good condition - its identical design to other Austrian-made Kramer pieces, confirming authenticity.  This, of course, is reflected in the price, albeit the main brooch is very beautiful and in very good condition, with all original stones and pearls pristine and secure.  It has a rollover clasp, measures 5.3cm high, 6.5cm wide, 2cm deep, and weighs 56.4g.

'Kramer Jewelry Creations' was founded in 1943 in New York City by Louis Kramer and his brothers, Morris and Harry.  Known for high quality costume jewellery, Kramer produced original designs using gold tone or silver tone metal, rhinestones, faux pearls, and glass stones mimicking precious gems.  Their pieces, sold on Fifth Avenue, were marked “KRAMER,” “KRAMER OF N.Y.,” or “KRAMER OF NEW YORK,” though early items sometimes used paper labels.  In the 1950s, Kramer collaborated with Christian Dior for exclusive lines, and by 1962, their pearl jewellery featured “Perles de Lune” markings.  Partnerships with Austrian artisans resulted in pieces like this brooch, marked “Made in Austria” for their intricate craftsmanship.  Kramer ceased operations around 1980, likely due to changing fashion trends favouring minimalist jewellery, and increased competition from mass produced costume jewellery makers, though specific reasons remain undocumented.  Kramer’s jewellery remains highly collectible for its beauty and innovation.