Weiss: A prestigious brand of glittering costume jewelry
Weiss is known as a glamorous costume jewelry brand that uses lavish amounts of sparkling rhinestones. The brand was founded in New York by Albert Weiss in 1942. Albert Weiss learned design and manufacturing techniques at Coro , the largest costume jewelry company at the time, and then launched his own brand.
Weiss factories and manufacturing techniques
Weiss' factory specializes in the "Hand-set" technique, which gives the brand's jewelry a unique shine and luxury. In addition, the company has partner factories in RI, France, and Germany to manufacture other lines, ensuring quality.
The prosperity of the 50s and 60s
In the 1950s and 1960s , Weiss gained popularity as a costume jewelry brand due to its high-quality rhinestones and glamorous designs. In particular, the brand used a lot of Austrian crystal rhinestones , and their quality and brilliance are highly valued among collectors and jewelry lovers. They also expanded their influence by providing designs for other brands such as Hollycraft .
Characteristics and Popularity of Weiss Rhinestones
The rhinestones used by Weiss are Austrian crystals , and their brilliance sets them apart from other brands. All stones are set in traditional prongs , and their beautiful brilliance as they reflect light is the biggest feature of Weiss jewelry.
The appeal of Weiss jewelry
Weiss jewelry is loved by many collectors and fashion lovers for its glamor and elegant shine . In particular, pieces that use rhinestones abundantly have an overwhelming presence compared to other jewelry brands. Due to its precise handcrafted techniques and the use of high-quality materials, Weiss jewelry is still highly regarded as a valuable collector's item.
Carefully set with prongs to show off the quality of the rhinestones to the fullest.
Weiss Jewelry Styles and Features
Weiss jewelry is characterized by its designs that incorporate art deco style, floral and insect (butterfly) motifs. The style is based on high-quality gold and silver plating , and has a glamorous yet delicate beauty.
Art Deco style and motifs
Weiss' designs were heavily influenced by the Art Deco style , and often featured floral and insect (butterfly) motifs . These motifs reflect the times and trends, giving the jewelry a unique charm and beauty. The butterfly and flower designs in particular express the beauty of nature, creating jewelry that is glamorous and elegant even when worn daily.
Signature piece: Christmas tree brooch
One of the most famous and collectible pieces of Weiss jewelry is the Christmas tree brooch from the 1950s . This brooch was made in Germany and is perfect for the holiday season. This intricately crafted Christmas tree brooch features ornate rhinestones and intricate metalwork , and remains a highly valued collector's item today.
High quality materials and manufacturing techniques
Weiss jewelry is made of high-quality gold and silver plates , and many of its pieces combine durability and beauty. Rhinestones are set into these materials by hand , and each piece of jewelry is carefully crafted by artisans. Therefore, Weiss jewelry gives off an elegant and sophisticated impression with a beautiful shine that reflects light.
Weiss Christmas trees are available in a variety of colors.
One of the attractions of Weiss jewelry is the use of aurora colored rhinestones , which appeared in the 1950s. This special rhinestone was newly developed in Austria and has the characteristic of shining in various colors depending on the angle of the light. Weiss jewelry was one of the first to adopt this beautiful shine and add its own unique glittering beauty to jewelry.
Features of Aurora Color Rhinestones
Aurora color rhinestones have a fantastic color change and shine while reflecting colors such as blue, pink, green, purple , etc. This unique shine gives Weiss jewelry a gorgeous and luxurious feel, and gives it a presence that goes beyond the boundaries of costume jewelry.
Aurora is often paired with rhinestones of similar colors.
The Birth of Black Diamond Rhinestone (German Smoky Quartz)
Weiss was looking for a darker, deeper color in addition to the traditional rhinestone colors, and the result was the Black Diamond Rhinestone (also known as German Smoky Quartz). This new rhinestone is very attractive and has a chic and elegant shine compared to other rhinestones, giving a more sophisticated look to jewelry.
Features of Black Diamond Rhinestones
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Deep Color : Black diamond colors range from dark gray to brown and sometimes even subtly black, giving them a depth and texture unlike any other rhinestone color.
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Subtle shine : These rhinestones do not shine brightly like typical colorful rhinestones, but have a subtle yet elegant and sophisticated shine that gives them a mature charm.
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Popular color : Due to its special color and uniqueness, it has been highly valued among collectors and adopted by other brands. It is now known as a standard color for Swarovski.
Weiss Jewelry and Black Diamond Color
Weiss's adoption of this new rhinestone has opened up new possibilities in jewelry design. In particular, pieces using black diamond rhinestones are simple yet glamorous, with a universal appeal that matches any outfit.
In the 1960s, Weiss jewelry became more flamboyant and innovative, with its distinctive rhinestones and new techniques gaining attention, but at the same time, the company's financial situation was changing.
Characteristics of Weiss Jewelry from the 1960s
In the 1960s, Weiss developed more glamorous jewelry. Most notably, they used white opaque stones with aurora-processed rhinestones. This aurora process has the property that its sparkle changes depending on the angle of the light, and became popular as a technique that gives jewelry movement and charm. Aurora stones , especially, were popular in costume jewelry in the 1960s, and Weiss was one of the brands that pioneered this trend.
From Albert Weiss to Michel Weiss
Albert Weiss retired in the mid-1960s and was succeeded by his son, Michel Weiss . However, in the late 1960s, the demand for costume jewelry decreased and people began to look for simpler styles, especially at a time when extravagant and glamorous designs were the norm. This trend eventually led to the Weiss company closing its doors in 1971 .
Weiss Jewelry Appraisal and Current Value
At the time, Weiss jewelry was comparable in quality and design to contemporaries such as Bogoff and Eisenberg , but it is true that the brand was initially not highly rated by collectors. In particular, there were many unsigned or unstamped pieces, which led to mixed reviews. However, in recent years, the reputation of Weiss jewelry has improved, and it is being reevaluated for its high quality and design .
Beware of fake Weiss jewelry
It is true that there are many fakes of Weiss jewellery, especially those with poor quality rhinestones of dull colours or rhinestones that have been simply glued on . To spot such fakes, it is important to look out for the following:
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Texture : Genuine Weiss jewelry is very well made and features rhinestones securely set with prongs. Fakes are often simply attached with glue.
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Stamps : Weiss jewelry is usually stamped with "Weiss," but some pieces do not have the stamp. These pieces are especially worthy of attention. Also, the lines sold at major department stores often have many unsigned pieces, so be careful.
Engraving
Weiss
WEISS
Albert Weiss
AW Co.,
WEISSCO
Weiss jewelry is a brand with many glittering and gorgeous pieces. Among them, the colorful and sparkling designs using aurora-colored rhinestones are particularly attractive. The way the aurora stones change color depending on the angle of the light really brings out the beauty that is unique to jewelry.
My personal favorite pieces are also made with colorful rhinestones. The earrings in particular have a simple design, but the colors are very vibrant. The smaller designs are easy to use even for costume jewelry beginners, and are popular as items that can be used daily.
In addition to its gorgeousness, Weiss jewelry is well-crafted with fine details , and its design and quality are in harmony. Therefore, adding it to your collection will make it even more attractive. Especially earrings and small pieces are a wonderful accent that adds color to your everyday outfit.