1950s Renoir Copper Balalaika Lute Brooch Pin 2.75”

Vintage Renoir of California copper brooch. Shaped like a stylized Balalaika or lute instrument, this highly collectible piece features a sleek, atomic-era silhouette with a beautifully polished body and raised string detailing. It is a signature example of the bold, geometric forms that defined the American Mid-Century Modernist jewelry movement.

Condition: Great vintage condition. The original protective lacquer coating is fully intact, preserving the copper's warm, bright glow and preventing any tarnishing. The roll-over safety clasp functions perfectly and is securely attached. Marked "Renoir" on the reverse.

Renoir Copper JewelryFounded in Hollywood, California in 1946 by Jerry Fels, Renoir of California (later known as Renoir Matisse) became the premier name in mid-century copper fashion accessories.Following World War II, as precious metals were scarce and expensive, Fels revolutionized the jewelry industry by treating copper as a fine art medium. Renoir specialized in bold, geometric, and abstract fluid designs that perfectly complemented the "New Look" fashions of the 1950s. Every piece was hand-finished and treated with a specialized, baked-on lacquer to prevent the copper from oxidizing or greening on the skin.Renoir jewelry was highly sought after by Hollywood starlets and everyday women alike, representing the pinnacle of West Coast modernist design until the company ceased production in 1964. Today, pieces in such pristine condition are highly prized by collectors for their historical significance and timeless, sculptural aesthetic.