Christian Dior by Grosse 1958 Gilded Metal Braided Choker Necklace

Description

This stunning Christian Dior choker necklace was created and manufactured by Grosse in 1958. This piece was crafted by Henkel … more This stunning Christian Dior choker necklace was created and manufactured by Grosse in 1958. This piece was crafted by Henkel & Grosse for Christian Dior for their 1958 collections when Marc Bohan was Head Designer of the House. The choker boasts a gilded metal multi-chain pattern embellished with an intricate braided lace design and a central dangling pendant. The locking mechanism of the box is delicate and precious, having a clasp that slides to open and close it. The necklace is marked on the underside with two tiny gilded tags that read Grosse © - 1958 and the CD logo.
The necklace is in good condition for its age, with a minor discoloration on the metal.
Measurements: 15.38 in total length (39 cm) - width is 0.63 in wide (1.5 cm) - the central pendant is 2.63 in long (6.7 cm).

Note: about Grosse
1907
At the famous goldsmith town of Pforzheim in Germany, Heinrich Henkel and his brother-in-law, Florentin Grosse, established Süddeutsche Gold-und Harrbijouterie-Fabrik Heinrich Henkel und Co (South-German Gold and Hair Jeweller) specialized in producing jewelry and watch chain made of woven and plaited hair.
1920s
Grosse introduced state-of-the-art modernist design and manufactured avant-garde costume jewelry that combined art and technology. This new design-driven costume jewelry received immense critical acclaim, drawing attention and interest from major houses, such as Lanvin and Chanel.
1930s
The company has proposed a series of jewels in the shape of colorful flowers, taking up the symmetry present in Art Deco. New technical innovations, such as processing synthetic lacquers, were implemented. In 1930, well-known designer Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973) had a fascination for these floral jewels. Grossé produced a series of pieces for her, including red flower necklaces and a fruit brooch.
Many Hollywood celebrities, such as Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo, who were great fashion icons of the time, became familiar with this achievement and became customers of Grosse.
1950s
Christian Dior breathed life into the New Look and advocated a complete look up to details, such as hats, shoes, bags, perfumes, and jewelry.
When Grosse launched the sale of jewelry in the Dior boutiques, the success was immediate. Mr. Christian Dior highly appreciated the quality of the work and concluded a partnership with Grosse in 1955 under his strong request.
Over the next 50 years, Grosse was responsible for the production of Christian Dior Bijoux and had the right to sell it. Even in the history of Dior, such long-term license cooperation was unprecedented.
1960s
Fashion transiting from Haute Couture to prêt-à-porter garments, from designed primarily for celebrities to the mass market and an ever younger clientele. Grosse continued to create its line without subjecting itself to the rapid changes in the fashion world.
With skillful metalwork and more natural gemstones in the collection, Grosse continues to aim for the same standard as fine jewelry while being costume jewelry.
1970s
In the early 1970s, influenced by the trendy space design developed by Courrèges and Paco Rabanne, Grosse imagined daring creations, which marked a clear break from the elaborate, naturalistic costume jewelry pieces of the sixties.
Since the 1980s
Rejecting the traditional associations of precious jewelry with male ownership, women embraced the freedom and fantasy of fashion jewelry. It was the golden age of costume jewelry, where women wore jewelry on every occasion and at all times of the day.
In response to various preferences and demands, Grossé expanded its production with new designs each season. In 1983, the Grosse diffusion collection was launched to increase the variety of the Grosse products category, including leather goods, scarves, ties, mufflers, etc.
With the rapid change in new fashion trends and styles, Grosse's designs withstand the test of time by meeting the needs of a wide range of clients with different requirements, taking a more contemporary approach, and reflecting independence and personality.
(Credit: Grosse website). less