Mary Ann, Mary Ann Designs

One frequently-asked question concerns the types of chains that were used for Florenza combination pin/pendants and pendants.  These items have a simple hook that is looped around the chain and many times, the original chain has been removed and lost.  In the pictures at left, you'll find examples of original chains for this type of Florenza piece.  The chain types include large etched rings, multiple rings, faux bookchain, paperclip and decorative disks.  Note that all of the original chains that I have found for Florenza simple hook pendants use a foldover clasp rather than a spring ring.  While the company did use spring-ring clasps for other types of necklaces, it is likely that only foldover clasp chains were sold with the simple hook pendants and pin/pendants. 

Dan Kasoff produced a smaller version of the cheetah pin without the Florenza mark.  The top photo shows the larger imposter and the same-size Florenza-marked authentic pin.  At the bottom, you'll see two smaller versions:  One without a rhinestone saddle (not produced by Kasoff) and the smaller authentic version.  The bottom photo shows the backs of the authentic cheetahs side-by-side.

Imitation may indeed be the most sincere form of flattery!  Here's a grouping of pins using the same basic design.  The cheetahs manufactured by Dan Kasoff are the first one in the top row and the middle one in the bottom row.