This sparkling retro clear rhinestone fringed necklace is as glamourous today as it was back in the 1950s. The stones shimmer and sparkle as they move, with the repeating geometric accents sophisticated while still opulent.


Made with the highest quality rhinestones, prong set in white metal plated brass findings (most probably rhodium given the time period), it has an adjustable hook and eye closure, only found on high end pieces of costume jewellery.

It's unsigned, so we can say it's most likely to be European given the construction, either West German or Austrian.

This type of necklace despite the sparkle can be the perfect allrounder. It's ideal for a little black dress, for a prom or ball, or an evening out. Pair it with a cardigan and jeans and it adds a touch of Emily in Paris.

All our vintage pieces are unique, thanks to their journey to get to you. We gently clean and sanitise (while respecting patina) so your preloved item feels new.

Vintage necks tended to be a little smaller than today. If this is unlikely to fit, simply add one of our necklace extenders.

It will arrive elegantly boxed and secured with a hand tied ribbon, via tracked delivery. International shipping is also available through eBay's Global Shipping programme.

I'm happy to combine postage, and offer multibuy discounts on some items.

Have a look at my other listings for a curated selection of vintage and antique costume jewellery, fashion, homewares, books and more.

The story

In the shadow of World War II, Europe was a continent in reconstruction – politically, socially, and culturally.

Amid this backdrop of renewal and change, costume jewellery emerged not merely as an adornment, but as a symbol of resilience, and a barometer of the shifting European psyche. The story of post-war Europe's love affair with costume jewellery is as multifaceted as the pieces themselves, intertwined with the narratives of displacement, innovation, and the democratisation of luxury.

In West Germany, the town of Neugablonz was built by refugees from Gablonz (now Jablonec nad Nisou in the Czech Republic), renowned pre-war for its glass and jewellery craftsmanship. Displaced artisans, fleeing the repercussions of the Potsdam Agreement, sought refuge and revival in Neugablonz, transplanting centuries-old traditions into new soil.

From a disused armament factory the people of Gablonz rebuilt their businesses and started to make jewellery again - the likes of Rudolf Weiss (not to be confused with the US maker Albert Weiss, although Rudolf did make jewellery for him) and Max Müller. Some of it signed Austria, probably to avoid post-war distaste for German products.

While in Austria Swarovski, a name now synonymous with crystal, pivoted from the production of reflective road signage back to dazzling, affordable stones that brought the opulence of diamonds within the reach of the masses. Austrian costume jewellery of the era, characterised by its meticulous craftsmanship and sparkling crystals, offered a slice of luxury to those yearning for beauty in the midst of austerity.

Czechoslovakia, although now in the eastern bloc, continued its rich tradition of glass-making. Czech artisans, operating under constrained circumstances, still managed to produce costume jewellery. The vibrant colours and innovative designs that emerged from Czechoslovakia in the post-war years stood as defiant emblems of creativity against the drab backdrop of political repression.

The 1950s saw costume jewellery in Europe mirror sweeping changes in fashion and society. As hemlines rose and silhouettes slimmed down in the fashion world, so too did costume jewellery adapt, becoming bolder, brighter, and more experimental.

This was the era of Christian Dior's "New Look," which reintroduced opulence and femininity to women's fashion. Costume jewellery complemented this shift, providing the perfect compliment to Dior's voluptuous designs – it was big, it was glamorous, and it defied the austerity of the wartime years.

Costume jewellery became a tool for self-expression, a way for women to assert their individuality and modernity in a world where the end of the war had seen many forced back into more traditional gender roles.

About us

Discover the charm of sustainable elegance with FiFi Fox Vintage, where every piece tells a story.

All packaging is sustainably sourced, recycled, or reused, reflecting our dedication to minimising environmental impact. Much of it is sourced from eco-packaging specialists The Tiny Box Company.

Each vintage or antique preloved item in our collection not only brings you a piece of history and style, but also represents a responsible choice.

By choosing vintage, you're choosing circular fashion and a greener and more sustainable way to shop.

Your purchase is unique and timeless, and will retain value compared to the modern mass-produced equivalent - while also reducing waste and conserving resources.

Embrace the beauty of the past with FiFi Fox Vintage - always sustainably elegant.