Leopard Brooch by "Gem-Craft"
Leopard Brooch by "Gem-Craft"
Each significant vintage item has a story behind it. So when we found this brooch, we not only discovered a gorgeous object, but we uncovered a piece of the history of a very talented man. Gene Verri (his real name was Guido Verrecchia) was from an Italian family, but he was born in the USA and studied at the Rhode Island School of Design. After graduating, he started to work at "Coro" and eventually became a lead designer. At that time, it was the world's largest manufacturer of costume jewelry.
But this brooch was made by another company named "Gem-Craft," founded by Gene Verri and his twin brother in 1945. They produced jewelry for Oscar de la Renta, Kenneth Jay Lane, and Kramer. It still exists and operates by the family. Verri himself continued designing and creating jewelry until he was 101 years old. There is a beautiful video about the life of this fantastic designer.
The brooch was made in 80s. Very good vintage condition.
Materials
Materials
Bijouterie
Dimensions
Dimensions