Big brooches from the glamour era

I collect these huge pot metal brooches from the 1930s & early 1940s when they can be found in good condition. Most of them are unsigned beauties. The characteristics of the designs include aspects of "tropical deco" combined with an evolving style of scrolls, curls and ribbons that will be found later in 1940s retro modern jewels. Here are two of my ''30s "big girls" scanned beneath a Maxfield Parrish calender page and a print from a book on the golden age of fashion. Construction is characteristically flat, though often there are shallow tiers. Made during the "white period" of fashion jewelry, diamante (clear rhinestones) are set into pot metal fittings pave style. Often you'll find enamels and some colored stones set in cups or prongs. These beauties are still inexpensive to buy. I love the big heavy ones of 3" to 5" tall. They are heavy enough to be worn on coats and are sometimes called "coat brooches." If you have any of Leigh Leshner's books, you'll see many of these beautiful "big girls."