KARU ARKE Aurora Borealis Oval Rhinestone Wreath Brooch

The stones are both small (3 mm) and large (8 mm) aurora borealis prong-set chatons. They have a heavy aurora borealis coating, and because of this they reflect and blend with any surrounding colour. I have photographed this brooch against a number of different coloured backgrounds so you can see this chameleon-like effect.

This brooch has a spring ring clasp that works very well. The aurora coating on the stones is free of major scrapes and scratches. If you peer closely, you will see age-related marks on the stones but, considering this brooch could be 50 to 60 years old, it is in very good vintage condition.

Established in 1940 in New York City, Karu jewelry manufacturers created jewelry at the height of the rhinestone rage. Karu was their mark through the 1940s until 1954 when they began making costume jewelry with the mark, Karu Arke Inc. The business survived until sometime in the 1970s and jewelry historians remember them for making jewelry with glitzy crystals and rhinestones. This is one of their post-1954 pieces.

Side Note: Comedian, Andy Hoffman, best known for his role in the TV series, Taxi, was the son of one of the founders of this company.

Item ID: KA 20