LEA STEIN
Lea and Fernand Stein have been making Lea Stein jewellery since the 1960’s. Their earliest work included buttons and serigraphy brooches. The Fox is the most famous of the Lea Stein designs and was one of her earliest. The jewellery is made of laminated celluloid acetate sheets. (See “Lea Stein Jewellery” by Judith Just – Schiffer books). Lea Stein jewellery is still being made today. Lea is the designer and Fernand invented the technical process. I cannot date pieces accurately. From the book – and from my knowledge of when a design was first issued – I can say that a certain piece could not be before a certain date. As pieces like the Fox have been produced since the 1970’s – and are still being made today – I can only guess! I advise customers to buy what appeals to them – if the design and its colours are what they want – the date is not the important issue! These pieces are handmade and sometimes have small imperfections on the back – as can happen with such pieces. I try to be particular about the fronts. A couple of new designs are introduced each year. Please beware that there are cheap, unmarked imitations being produced that look very similar. These do not have the Lea Stein marked pin on the back – Lea Stein Paris. I now understand that some of the fakes are marked on the back – but the quality is just not the same. All but some of the earliest Lea Stein pieces are marked.