Vendôme — The Finest Expression of Coro’s High-End Costume Jewelry
Vendôme was established in 1944 as the premier luxury line of Coro, one of the largest and most influential costume jewelry manufacturers in the United States.
Although it began as part of the Coro group, Vendôme quickly distinguished itself through superior craftsmanship, refined aesthetics, and exceptional materials. Today, it is widely regarded as a brand worthy of recognition in its own right within the world of vintage jewelry.
The name Vendôme was inspired by Place Vendôme in Paris, the historic center of haute jewelry and fashion.
In postwar America, the brand embodied the nation’s fascination with Parisian elegance and European sophistication, appealing especially to affluent American women drawn to continental style.
Craftsmanship and Design Philosophy
Vendôme jewelry reflects the influence of Parisian chic through carefully balanced, elegant designs.
The brand used only top-tier components for its pieces, including high-quality rhinestones, crystal glass, and faux pearls imported from Austria and Czechoslovakia—materials considered among the finest available for costume jewelry at the time.
Each component was hand-soldered by skilled craftsmen and mounted on meticulously plated gold- or silver-tone metal bases.
As a result, Vendôme pieces exhibit an unusually high level of finish and durability, often rivaling fine jewelry in appearance.
Particularly notable are Vendôme’s dimensional creations, such as crystal-beaded necklaces and sculptural earrings, which showcase the brand’s ability to transform costume jewelry into wearable art.
The initial lineup included charm bracelets and glass pearl jewelry engraved with Vendome.
Vendome's glass pearls have a beautiful luster and a very distinctive shape with a slight rise around the hole.
Brand Consolidation and Independence (1953)
In 1953, Coro consolidated its other high-end lines—Corocraft and Francois—into the Vendôme brand.
This strategic reorganization elevated Vendôme to a semi-independent status within the Coro group.
From this point forward, Vendôme operated as a unified luxury line with its own design identity, production standards, and market positioning.
It was during this period that Vendôme firmly established itself as a maker of premium costume jewelry rather than merely Coro’s top tier.
Transformation in the 1960s
The 1960s marked a major stylistic evolution for Vendôme.
While earlier designs favored traditional floral and geometric forms, the brand began embracing more experimental and artistic expressions.
This shift was driven by the appointment of Helen Marion as chief designer.
Her work introduced ethnic influences, kinetic elements, and abstract forms inspired by modern art, including Cubism and Picasso-era aesthetics.
Among her most celebrated contributions are collage-style brooches that blur the line between jewelry and modern art.
Today, many of the most highly sought-after Vendôme pieces date from this innovative decade.
Acquisition and the End of Production
In 1957, both Coro and Vendôme were acquired by Richton International Corporation.
Under new ownership, Vendôme continued to produce refined and imaginative designs for many years.
However, as the costume jewelry market shifted in the late 1970s, the brand ultimately ceased operations in 1979, bringing an end to its distinguished production history.
Hallmarks and Identification
Most Vendôme jewelry is clearly marked with the name “Vendôme.”
Many pieces also include a © copyright symbol, which can help with dating and authentication.
Some items were originally sold with a swing tag featuring a stylized “V” and fleur-de-lis, reinforcing the brand’s French-inspired identity.
Because tags are often missing today, collectors are encouraged to evaluate Vendôme pieces holistically—considering construction quality, materials, and design integrity in addition to markings.
Vendôme’s Legacy Today
Today, Vendôme is recognized not merely as a Coro sub-brand, but as an independent name in high-quality vintage costume jewelry.
Its appeal lies not in mass production or flamboyance, but in refined design, exceptional craftsmanship, and enduring elegance.
For newcomers to vintage jewelry, Vendôme offers an accessible entry into high-end design.
For seasoned collectors, it represents depth, artistry, and historical significance.
Vendôme stands as a lasting symbol of postwar America’s admiration for Parisian style—and of the artistic potential of costume jewelry at its finest.