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Monet originally was founded in Providence, RI in 1929 by two brothers, Michael and Jay Chernow and the business name was Monocraft. Monocraft produced gold plated monograms which were set on handbags in the store at the time of purchase. The business expanded and the company became recognized as a manufacturer of durable and quality initials. The Chernow brothers, capitalizing on this advantage, began manufacturing jewelry under the name Monet around 1937. Much of the 1940's jewelry used silver as the base metal. Monet was also responsible for several technological advancements in jewelry, such as the development of the friction ear clip which adjusted so it could firmly fit the ear with out causing undue and painful pressure; and the barrel clutch for pierced earrings which replaced the butterfly clutch. These earrings stated above, I'm familiar with. I call them screwback clipbacks...because the clip can be adjusted by turning the knob to tighten or loosen.
In the late 1940's to early 1950's necklace had an average price of about $12.00 to 20.00 while earrings could be purchased between 4.00 and 7.50.
Monet was acquired by General Mills in 1968 and in 1977 they introduced a new line of jewelry called CIANI, with some pieces priced as high as $500! The firm was then purchased by Crystal Brands Jewelry in 1989 and is still in operation. Your major departments stores still carry Monet.
(The above information is from Fred Rezazadeh's book Costume Jewelry, A Practical Handbook and you can order this book from my bookstore). I suggest this book because there is much more to learn about Monet and other Major Designers...! |
Click on the small pic to see the item enlarged...
Vintage Monet Brushed Goldtone Bracelet. This has an openworked design on each of 11 links. There is a foldover clasp with a safety chain. Measures 7" x 5/8". Excellent condition.
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 BS218 Price: $19.00
Vintage Monet 8 Strand Chain Bracelet with safety catch. This is so nice... 8 flat strands of a textured herringbone like chain connected to a brushed goldtone clasp. Measures 7-1/4" x 1-1/8". Foldover clasp. Hangtag Money. Excellent condition.
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BS211 SOLD
Vintage Monet Brushed Goldtone Bangle Bracelet with faux onyx and carnelian gemstone cabs. These are plastic. Nice brushed textured finish. Excellent condition. Measures 2-1/2" across the inside.
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BS186 Price: $16.00
Vintage Monet Silvertone Link Bracelet with safety chain. Measures 7-1/2" x 1" wide. Foldover clasp. Monet Hang Tag. Excellent condition.
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BS170 SOLD
Monet Black and White plastic bead bracelet... measuring approx 8-1/2". The black beads are about 3/4" in diameter. Chunky bracelet to go with that black or white necklace and earrings! Monet hang tag.
BU055 Price: $10.00
Monet Pink Pearlized Stickpin and Pierced Post Earrings. The stickpin is still on the card. The stickpin measures 4" long x 3/4" wide. The settings are silvertone. The earrings measure 1-1/2" x 1/2" and are pierced posts. The set is new and never worn.
S403 Price: $16.00
Circa 1950 This is one nice Art Moderne styled set. Goldtone, linked choker length necklace (15") complimented with a bracelet (7"). Each link is only 1/8" long x 1/16" wide...very delicate in appearance with a nice feel to it. Quality Monet. Bracelet has safety chain as well. Both hold the Monet tags! Very good condition; wear on the underside that goes against the skin.
S013 Price: $42.00
Monet Grey Faux Pearls and Gold Spacer Necklace. I'm not sure how old these are... they are probably newer going by the clasp. 6 mm silver grey faux pearls with goldtone spacers that compliment the pearls. Lovely goldtone push in oblong clasp. Measures 21" long. Excellent condition.
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NS498 SOLD
Monet Handknotted Faux Pearl Necklace measuring 23". The pearls are about 8mm. Goldtone filigree clasp that is marked Monet. These came in a felt bag marked Sentiment. I'm not sure this is original to these. The pearls are in excellent condition. The only flaw is where the bead tips are - the string has a tint of green inside the tips. Other than that... excellent!
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NS435 Price: $24.00
Circa 1950's Art Moderne Design Silvertone Choker adjustable to 18" x 1/2" wide. This is similar to S013 only in silvertone. Monet hang tag. Excellent condition.
NS313 Price: $33.00
Black plastic beads with brass spacers...adjustable length to 18", therefore is a choker but can be worn at a longer length for the larger neckline. This is an older piece probably late 40's early 50's...
NS015 Price: $23.00
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