Elzac of California was a vintage jewelry company in the United States during the 1940s. Founded in Los Angeles, California, early in the period, the name derives from “El” (possibly from Los Angeles) and “Zac” (part of the surname of one of the founders).
Period of activity: approximately 1940 to 1947. During World War II, metal jewelry production was limited, so Elzac actively explored alternative materials.
Materials: ceramics and clay (especially heads of girls), acrylic (Lucite), wood, fabric, rope, glass and plastic, and occasionally shells and natural materials.
Products: brooches (especially featuring girls’ faces), bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. The jewelry was often large and unusual in shape.
Style: Expressionist and Art Deco, a fusion of ethnic and Hollywood motifs, experimentation with texture, color, and form. Signature: Some Elzac pieces are marked “Elzac,” but many are unsigned, making them difficult to identify.
The most famous line: “Black” (1943). It included a series of brooches in the form of masks, faces, figurines, animals, and musical instruments, all predominantly in black.
Production ceased: the fashion for Californian ceramic brooches ended with World War II, and production of these pieces ceased in 1945.
Elzac jewelry is considered rare and collectible. The maiden brooches with well-preserved ceramic heads are particularly prized.
