Tag Archives: dior

Grossé was founded in the early 20th century by Heinrich Henkel and Florentin Grosse. They originally specialised in hair work but expanded into costume jewellery after the end of the First World War. The firm changed its name to Henkel & Grosse and enjoyed success with new, exciting materials such as Bakelite and aluminium.  Through twinning these materials with modern methods and designs, the firm shortly attracted the attention of some big names in the fashion world. Soon the company had contracts with Harrods in London and Saks in New York. Designers such as Jeanne Lanvin and Elsa Schiaparelli started working with the company in Paris. This led them to open an office in Paris. The expansion to Paris proved a good move as they subsequently received a prestige award at the Paris World Fair in 1937. Their jewellery was bought and worn by stars of the silver screen such as Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich. At this time it was reported that the latter bought out the entire stock in New York in one go. Another World War led to further changes at the firm. Henceforth, Henkel and Grosse became Grossé and continued to expand. During the 1950s Grossé was stocked in Christian Dior’s boutiques. It was so popular that in 1955 Grossé signed a contract with Dior to manufacture costume jewellery under the Dior name. Grossé Costume Jewellery at Auction In the October Designer Jewellery, Watches & Sunglasses auction there are a number of lots by Grossé and Dior. From 1955 Grossé simultaneously manufactured its own jewellery alongside jewellery for Dior. This makes vintage Grossé jewellery just as exciting as well as collectable for costume jewellery collectors, as vintage Dior. Lot 571 Christian Dior – brooch. Price Realised: £715 Lot 572 Christian Dior – necklace and stud earring set. Price Realised: £208 Lot 600 Christian Dior – two pairs of clip on earrings. Price Realised: £84.50 Lot 615 Grossé – necklace, earring, and bracelet set. Price Realised: £162.50 Lot 616 Grossé – three pairs of clip on earrings and a brooch. Price Realised: £182 Lot 617 Grossé – two pairs of clip on earrings and a necklace. Price Realised: £156 Lot 618 Grossé – necklace and brooch. Price Realised: £33.80 Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.