As a collector, I purchased signed jewelry from many different brands. However, only my favorite pieces, from any one brand, made it into my collection. The two sets shown below are signed Selro and/or Selini and are the only remaining pieces from this brand in my collection.
A fabulous article on Selro/Selini jewelry titled “Selro Unmasked” by Susan Klein is posted on the Costume Jewelry Collectors site at www.costumejewelrycollectors.com. This is a MUST read article for any collector interested in this brand.
Selro Corp. was founded by Paul Selenger and operated from the 1940s – 1970s. The article provides fascinating information about Paul Selenger and his company.
A second article titled “Selro & Selini Jewelry: Styles & Findings,” by Susan Klein, is also posted on the Costume Jewelry Collectors site. This article discusses the famous and recognizable Asian face jewelry produced by Selro Corp.
Many Selro designs are unsigned. Selro Corp. also produced jewelry signed Selini. Some jewelry was signed both Selro and Selini. These articles help to clarify the Selro/Selini signatures and provides clues for identifying unsigned Selro designs. The Klein articles are clear and informative. It is truly best if they are read and studied in their full, original form.
In this blog, I want to discuss the design elements as shown in Collecting Costume Jewelry 404 (Shape, Line, Color, Contrast, Visual Weight, and Balance) for the two Selro Corp. sets I opted to keep.
This Selro design is a link-style bracelet. The triangle shape is found both in the shape of the main (Lucite) stone and in the shape of the clasp.
Decorative elements outline this distinctive shape. Aurora borealis accent stones, in textured metal floral settings add contrast to the triangular green stones. The green stones have the strongest visual weight in this design, so the contrasting elements are important to the design. The design is fully symmetrical and comfortable for the eye.
As is sometimes true, this set has both the Selro and the Selini signatures. The links are signed Selro. The earring clip backs are signed Selini.
The back view shows the open settings which provided a “glow” to the Lucite stones when held to the light.
The pink set shown below is signed Selini on the pin and the earrings. The pin measures 2″, each clip earring is 1 1/4″. Despite the average size, this set has some interesting features.
The design relies on frosted oval-shaped stones to catch the attention of the “jewelry eye.” They are in high-end fancy settings. The black plating provides a wonderful contrast to the soft, frosted pink stones. Branches (lines) rise above the oval stones and are set with hot-pink rhinestones. The design has contracting colors (black/pink) combined with soft and hard textures (branches, soft pink stones).
These beauties have been getting their “beauty” sleep tucked away in cotton boxes for many years. It was fun to revive them for this blog.
Happy Collecting,
Love,
Julie