With a 1960s vibe and an almost monochrome look in cream and black colour this is a “fantasy” Ladybird brooch or Ladybug, insect or beetle brooch. Here we have an unusual Ladybird or Ladybug brooch by Lea Stein, Paris. This pin uses a black and Cream crazy brick pattern over the wing areas and contrasting cream head, body and spots, one each side. The Ladybird is just about to "Fly Away" as her wings are slightly open. The head is in Matt black as is the body. The reverse is very like the underbelly of the real bug in the same Cream and black colours. The brooch is made from rhodoid and is in Excellent condition. This brooch measures approximately 2 ins by 2.5 ins at its widest parts and has the traditional Lea Stein pin back with a roll-over type fastener. The piece is signed - 'Lea Stein, Paris'. This is a contemporary design from Lea Stein who is famed for her jewellery, particularly her animal designs which have featured cats, foxes, dogs, birds and many other things over her history.
Now for that history -
LEA STEIN was born in Paris in 1931 and worked as a dress designer. She began making her now famous Jewellery when her husband, Fernand Steinberger, ( a Plastics Chemist ) discovered a process of laminating cellulose acetate to create a unique range of colours & patterns.
Buttons for her frocks were their first products; followed by brooches, bangles and earrings. The factory was forced to close in the 1980’s but has since re-opened much to the relief of costume jewellery collectors and Lea Stein fans. Lea Stein loves to produce designs based on animals and flowers. Now she is quite an elderly lady but still introduces a couple of new designs each year.
Each brooch has the trademark ‘V’ shaped pin on the back and is signed: ‘LEA STEIN PARIS’. The manufacturing process used means that no two pieces are exactly alike. The fabulous designs, the ease of wearing and their quirky appeal are just some of the reasons why they are so collected around the world today.
JEWELLERY DETAILS
Designer or Brand: Lea Stein, Paris
Condition: Excellent - New
Decade: Current
Era: Contemporary Retro
Type: Brooch
Material: Plastic Laminate Rhodoid