Monet Jewelry

Monet Jewelry began under the name Monocraft in 1929. The Chernow Brothers (Michael and Jay) made accessory monograms at first, and developed a plating process as a result. That process allowed them to expand the business into jewelry.

By 1937 the brothers had begun producing affordable sterling sliver and regular silver plated costume jewelry in Providence Rhode Island, where they continued to make all manner of jewelry pieces. Plating wasn't their only innovation either. They developed the barrel clutch for pierced earrings and the friction ear clip.

Various other entities acquired Monet throughout its history beginning with the Crystal Brands Jewelry Group followed by Chase Capital and the Lattice Holding Company. It was most recently acquired in 2000 by Liz Claiborne. Vintage money jewelry is regarded as those pieces made between 1930- 1960.

Monet Marks:

There are several trademarks that you can watch for in shopping for vintage Monet jewelry. These include:

• Uneven script: Monet
• Capital M (remaining word in small letters)
• Monet that crosses over the “t”
• All caps MONOCRAFT
• Monet Sterling
• Monet 2

Besides the trademark the Monet jewelry from 1930-1940 is recognizable for using open metalwork and straight edges that were far more refined than other period pieces. Additionally only Monet had the ability to do gold and silver plating. Monet did not consistently mark its items with the trademark until 1955.

Shopping:

You can go a lot of directions in collecting Monet Costume Jewelry. For example, you could try to get a whole line of charm bracelets – choosing one with a poodle motif from the 1950s, and one covered in bangles from the 1960. Other items that are highly sought after by collectors include:

Cleopatra style necklaces Collars Christmas pins Pieces with their original box Necklaces from the 1930s & 1940s Fur clips (typically ornate) Pitchers in filigree

You'd be surprised at the prices on the jewelry. A choker style necklace may only cost $25, a satin bead necklace - $60, collars – under $20, and bracelets and broaches - $30 range. The most costly items are sets (like bridal sets which usually cost about $200) and older rhinestone pieces priced at about $150.

By the way, you don't have to be a collector to enjoy vintage Monet jewelry. They made a variety of jewelry ranging from earrings to brooches. Even today a Monet piece can give a simple outfit a “face lift” making it look more formal and luxurious. With such affordability, don't be afraid to wear it and show it off!

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