Grace in Motion: The 1940s Monet Sterling Greyhound Pin

Some vintage jewelry turns heads. Others stop you in your tracks. This 1940s Monet Sterling greyhound pin is one of those rare treasures — a piece so exceptional it’s documented in the definitive Monet jewelry reference book. Known among collectors as a “book piece,” it represents the pinnacle of the brand’s early sterling craftsmanship.

 

The Elegance of 1940s Monet Sterling

 

In the 1940s, Monet wasn’t yet the household name for bold costume jewelry it would become in later decades. Instead, it was producing finely crafted sterling silver pieces with precision, artistry, and a sophistication that rivaled fine jewelry. The Monet Sterling line from this era is prized today for its quality, rarity, and timeless design — and this brooch is a perfect example.

 

A Design That Captures Motion

 

The brooch features two sleek greyhounds, their forms captured mid-stride. One dog is rendered with delicate, flowing lines, while the other appears more tailored and structured. Together, they create a dynamic composition that somehow feels both frozen in time and full of movement — a hallmark of great 1940s design.

 

Provenance in Print

 

This exact greyhound design is featured in the Monet reference book, described as:

“c. 1940s. These well–known greyhound dog pins are cast in pink gold and vermeil. They personify many of the characteristics of the costume jewelry of the 1940s. With strong vertical and horizontal lines, it has great movement and yet looks still or frozen in mid–movement at the same time. While one dog has delicate and flowing lines, the other is less fluid and more tailored. Hallmarked ‘Monet Sterling’ on the back.”

My example, in gleaming sterling silver, bears the hallmark “Monet Sterling” on the reverse — a mark used exclusively during this early period.

 

Why This Piece Matters

Book pieces like this are more than beautiful accessories — they are verified artifacts of design history. For Monet collectors, greyhound enthusiasts, and lovers of fine vintage sterling, this brooch represents the rare intersection of artistry, documentation, and desirability.

Owning it means owning a tangible connection to the 1940s — a time when craftsmanship and design were held to the highest standards.

 

 

Explore more rare and collectible vintage Monet jewelry at Betty Lily & Co. — each piece curated for history, beauty, and authenticity.