Description
This is a beautiful example of 1960s Signed Florenza Victorian Revival hardstone glass cameo/intaglio portrait jewelry for which Florenza is well known with collectors. Size is just about 3″ long by 1 1/4″ wide. It has faux angelskin coral beads, fancy open work filigree, fancy cut work on the gold edges and a very heavy deep antique gold finish. The centerpiece holds a bezel set blue hard stone glass intaglio which looks like blue sodalite but is likely glass. Part of an estate from many years ago and only ever used as a store display. Condition is excellent. No wear. No damage. No repair. Still bright and crisp. Looks like when it was originally made. It also has lots of thick heavy gold plating for which Florenza was well known. In the best condition this is a lovely large showy Signed intaglio portrait statement pin for your vintage jewelry collection.
About Florenza Cameo/Intaglio Jewelry
Google AI:
Vintage Florenza intaglio jewelry is a highly collectible form of mid-century costume jewelry known for its Victorian Revival style, intricate gold-tone settings, and detailed, carved, or molded stones. Produced by Dan Kasoff, Inc. in New York from the late 1940s to 1981, Florenza jewelry frequently utilized intaglio glass—glass with designs carved or molded into the back—often depicting Roman warriors, mythological figures, or cameos.
Key Features and Styles
Intaglio Designs: Common motifs include Etruscan warriors, Roman knights, and classical profiles. These were often rendered in glass (including tortoise shell, emerald, and slag glass) or resin.
Settings: The stones were typically mounted in ornate 24k gold-plated or antiqued “Florenza Gold,” “French Gold,” or “French Rose” finishes.
Victorian Revival: Florenza is known for dramatic high-quality, and often heavy pieces, including Maltese cross brooches, large dangling earrings, and charm bracelets.
Unique Touches: Pieces often included faux turquoise, seed pearls, rhinestones, or intricate enamel work.
History and Identification
Origin: Founded by Daniel Kasoff in 1945 and named after his wife, Florence, the company produced pieces from 1948 until 1981.
Marks: Most pieces are signed “Florenza” (sometimes with a copyright symbol after 1955), but some original designs or items from later lines (late 1970s) may be unsigned.
Production: Florenza also manufactured jewelry for other companies like Weiss, Capri, and Estee Lauder.
Closure: The company closed in 1981 following a serious car accident involving Daniel’s son, Larry Kasoff.
Price Range: Vintage Florenza intaglio pieces commonly retail for roughly $20 to over $100, with rare, complex pieces (like large Maltese crosses) reaching higher prices.
