1940's Adele Simpson Chatelaine Brooch

Comprised of bronze style tassels and enamel resin, baroque pearls, this rare 1940's Adele Simpson Chatelaine Brooch is a sight to behold!

The chatelaine style was worn as a decorative addition to an outfit and also used to secure/ fasten garments such as a cape or coat.

Adele Simpson (1903-1995) began her design career at the age of 21 working her way up the fashion ladder. To coincide with her clothing designs Simpson began designing and producing jewelry. She produced jewelry just in the 1940's and 1950's, making her pieces very rare and collectible.

Here's an interesting tidbit about the adventure this piece has had! A friend of mine contacted me saying she was out during clean-up week (a week in Fargo where you set out things you don't want on your curb) and found a trunk filled with vintage jewelry. She asked if I'd be interested in looking at the pieces to give my opinion on if any were worth keeping.

As we sorted through the haul I was amazed at all the beautiful pieces that were so close to going to the landfill! We had fun seeing the decades of costume jewelry almost lost to time. As a thank you for helping she gave me this piece. To be honest, I didn't really look too closely at this brooch, but I knew I loved the chatelaine style. Upon further inspection I saw the stamp and only knew of Adele Simpson as a clothing designer. I come to find out about her short stint in jewelry design.

This piece is not only a symbol of fashion history, but also a tribute to those who find these pieces and save them from disappearing forever!

circa 1940's, United States

JW.17.15.AS.53