SIZE AND CONDITION: the combs measure 2 x 2 ins and are in good vintage condition.

The combs have an elaborate gilt metal heading which is set upon a commercial faux tortoise comb mount with split prongs. The elaborate neo Baroque design is set in the centre with a large faux pearl cabochon.

MORE INFORMATION BELOW:

These combs are made in a style called neo Baroque which was pure glamour and glitz, favouring glittering rhinestones combined with coloured stones and materials, faux pearls and elaborate gold or silver tone settings. In the mid 20th century, much costume jewellery was glitzy and sometimes ostentatious, continuing the neo-Baroque style which had begun in the 1940s. Some of the most beautiful and high quality neo Baroque style jewellery and hair ornaments were produced in the USA. We can say that the influence of Hollywood and the great screen goddesses of the 1940s and 1950s were of great significance in promoting this larger than life look.

Such jewellery was favoured by more mature fashionable women, whose complex upswept coiffures created an opulent look. Jewellery made from rhinestones remained firmly in fashion with this group, but much more dramatically styled than in the previous decade. Nothing was too glitzy, large or luxurious. The hairdressing of the late 1960s and early 1970s was increasingly elaborate, with great use of back coming to produce a bouffant effect. In these eye catching hairstyles the use of elaborate hair ornaments staged a dramatic comeback.