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Behind the Jewels
Brief history of the costume jewelry designers and manufacturers
The information below is a compilation of material from my reference
books which are listed at the end.
This is a work in progress!
A
A & Z Chain Co.: Founded by Carl Anshen and Saul
Zeitlin circa 1905 in Providence, Rhode Island as a chain
manufacturer. Eventually acquired by the Amtel Corporation and
currently named A&Z Hayward Company. A&Z sterling silver and vermeil
jewelry pieces are usually delicate pieces with stylized floral
forms. Various trademarks were used, but they all incorporate the A
& Z name of the company.
Accessocraft: Edgar Rodelheimer and Theodore
Steinman, Monocraft salesmen (forerunner of Monet), founded
Accessocraft around 1930. Still in business today. Manufactured
jewelry with original and bold designs. Many of their pieces have
Renaissance, Victorian or Art Nouveau style. Use of antique
gold-tone or bronzed metals with unusual stones. Usually marked with
the company name on the back of the jewelry or on a metal tag
attached to the chain. Currently not very expensive in the
collectible market.
Aguilar, Hector: Worked for the Spratling shop, Las
Delicias, for two years before establishing his own shop, the Taller
Borda, in 1939. During the war years in the 1940s, Coro contracted
with Aguilar to make silver jewelry and military insignia which are
marked "Coro Mexico". His Sterling Silver jewelry exhibits superior
craftsmanship. Retired in 1966 after closing shop and died in the
early 1970s. Found on the market, very collectible and priced
accordingly.
Albion: Albion jewelry is very scarce on the collectible market
which suggests that the manufacturer did not sign many pieces or was
not in business for very long. The jewelry pieces are marked either
A or Albion.
Alcozer: Alcozer & J was founded in Florence, Italy in 1994 by
designer Giampiero Alcozer. This company specializes in
antique-style costume jewelry handcrafted in hypoallergenic
gold-tone metal.
Amco: Amco is the trademark of the A. Micallef and Co. Inc. which
was founded in Providence Rhode Island in 1919. They manufactured
gold, gold filled and silver jewelry in elegant and classic lines.
Jewelry is marked AMCO.
Am Lee: Founded in the mid 1940s in Providence, Rhode Island.
Probably ceased production in the 1960s. The trademark Am Lee was
registered in 1946. Produced sterling silver jewelry.
Anson: After World War II the Anderson Tool & Die Co. which produced
tools and dies for the jewelry industry began manufacturing men's
jewelry. In 1948, they changed their name to Anson Incorporated
and began a complete line of men's jewelry. In 1967, women's jewelry
was introduced.
Art: The Art trademark was used by several companies, but most of
the jewelry was probably produced by the Art Mode Jewelry Creations
Inc. which was founded in the late 1940s and continued until the
late 1960s. They produced a wide range of jewelry from average to
quality. At the moment, even the high quality Art pieces are well
under priced. It will be increasingly sought after and the prices
will rise accordingly.
Art Metal Studios: Founded as the Chicago Art Silver Shop in Chicago
by Edmund Boker and Ernest Gould in 1912. Manufactured silver
jewelry. Still in business. Signature is AMS in a shield formation.
Atlas Manufacturing Company: Founded circa 1940s in New York City.
Made gold-filled, sterling silver or vermeil jewelry during the
1940s to early 1950s. Marked Atlas on an appliqué.
ATwood & Sawyer: Founded in England in 1956 by Horace ATwood with
Sawyer s a silent partner. Produced copies of 18th and 19th century
precious jewelry.
Avery, James: James Avery, a university art and design teacher,
established his first workshop in Texas in 1954. Moved to Kerrville,
Texas in 1968. By late 1970s James Avery Craftsman Inc. was a major
manufacturer of gold and silver jewelry. Known for its silver charms
and religious jewelry. Signed with a three flame candelabra with the
J on the left side of the stand and the A on the right.
Avon: The California Perfume Company, founded in 1886 by D. H.
McConnell, changed its name to Avon Products, Inc. in 1939. They
used a direct marketing approach, selling products through
representatives. The jewelry is not particularly valuable, but is of
interest to those who collect Avon memorabilia.
Avon of Belleville: Not associated with the above Avon Company. Avon
of Belleville was set up by Abe Mazer (of Mazer/Jomaz fame) in the
1940s. Located in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. The jewelry is
beautifully designed and well made. Marked with design inventory
numbers. Marcel Boucher had worked with the Mazers in the 1930s and
apparently continued his association with them through Avon of
Belleville. The jewelry is signed AVON in a different font than the
Avon Cosmetic company uses. Ceased operations in 1971.
B
Ballet: Nothing definite could be found on this company. Were in
business at least as far back as the 1950s. It is known that DeLizza
and Elster did manufacture some of the Ballet Jewelry. The known
pieces are brooches and clamper bracelets with rhinestones and
aurora borealis stones.
Barclay: Barclay was a prolific manufacturer of costume jewelry in
the 1940s and 1950s and sold its jewelry through better department
stores. Much of their jewelry is of average quality. Marked pieces
are not very common, but would be signed Barclay on clips or clasps.
The Barclay trademark should not be confused with McClelland
Barclay.
B.David: B.David, founded in 1945 in Cincinnati, Ohio, is still is
business. The jewelry is usually above average in quality and
materials used. Usually signed B.David inside an oval frame, b.David
in a square or bd.
Ballou & Company: Founded in 1876 by Barton Ballou in Providence,
Rhode Island and manufactured primarily gold, gold filled and plated
findings and jewelry. Known for its specialty medals and lapel pins.
Signed with a Circle with either a Star with a B inside, the name
Ballou or BAB inside.
Beau/Beaucraft: (pr: (BOW) Beau and Beaucraft are registered
trademarks of Beaucraft, Inc. founded in 1947 in Providence, Rhode
Island. They manufactured sterling silver jewelry and jewelry made
of 14K gold. This company is still in business.
Beaujewels: Beaujewels is the trademark for Bowman Foster, Inc. who
were in business from the 1950s to the 1970s. Flowers and leaves are
recurring motifs, as well as fruit salad stones. Beaujewels is
usually of above-average quality.
Bell Trading Post: Founded circa 1930s in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Specialized in production of copper, mixed metal and silver jewelry.
Ceased operations in late 1980s. Signed BELL, the image of a bell
and a bell hanging from a post.
Bergere: (pr: BEAR Zhere) Bergere is the trademark of Herbert & Pohs,
Inc. founded in New York City circa 1947 and in business until the
mid 1960s. Their jewelry exhibits fine workmanship and quality
designs and is not very common in the market.
Block, Fred A.: Fred A. Block made costume jewelry from 1930s to
1950s initially to promote and accessorize their clothing lines.
Many of their pieces are made in high-quality vermeil sterling
silver and with colorful enameling and large rhinestones or beads.
Rare, collectible and increasingly expensive.
Bogoff: (pr: BOW goff) Bogoff is the trademark of the Spear Novelty
Co. founded in Chicago in 1946 and in business until the 1960s.
Their jewelry was elegantly crafted with quality materials, usually
had rhodium backing and handset stones and imitated high-end
jewelry. Their jewelry is signed Bogoff or Jewels by Bogoff. Because
of the quality and design, their jewelry will most likely continue
to rise in price.
Bond Boyd: No definitive information regarding location and dates of
manufacture although most of the jewelry appears to have been made
1940 through 1950s. Made sterling silver and vermeil jewelry.
Boucher: (pr: BOO shay) Marcel Boucher was born in France and
trained as an apprentice to Cartier. He was transferred to their New
York branch in 1922 and continued working in fine jewelry until the
Wall Street Crash of 1929. The Great Depression of the 1930s forced
Boucher to transfer his considerable talents to the costume jewelry
industry that employed more affordable materials. During the 1930s,
he designed for the Mazer Brothers in New York. In 1937, he
established the Marcel Boucher and Cie Company in New York. Boucher
produced some of the most exquisite costume jewelry until it became
a subsidiary of the Dovorn Industries around 1972. Marcel Boucher
died in 1965, but his second wife Sandra Semensohn controlled the
company until 1972. The jewelry is marked MB, Marboux (earlier
mark), Marcel Boucher or just Boucher. Most Boucher jewelry also
carries an inventory number. All of the Boucher jewelry is
collectible and will continue to rise in price.
Brooks: Based on the material and designs of Brooks jewelry, it must
have been manufactured in the 1960s and 1970s. Most is made of light goldtone metal enhanced by rhinestones. Usually marked Brooks with a
copyright symbol on a raised rectangular portion on the back of each
piece.
BSK: BSK was based in New York from the 1950s to the early 1970s.
Most of their jewelry is of average quality with some interesting
and original designs. Their jewelry is not rare, but there is not an
abundance of it on the market.
Buccellati: (pr: BOOSH a lot ey) Buccellati Inc. was the
manufacturer of antiqued silver tone jewelry in thick, chunky metal
which gives the impression of aged silver. Usually marked Mario
Buccellati or just Buccellati in script. Out of business sometime in
the 1970s.
Bugbee & Niles Company: Founded in 1896 in Providence, Rhode Island.
Manufacturer of gold and silver jewelry. Ceased operations by 1943.
Jewelry is marked B.& N.
Butler & Wilson: Nicky Butler and Simon Wilson started marketing
their own jewelry based on reproductions of period styles in the
early 1970s in London. Their jewelry is very collectible and priced
accordingly. Butler & Wilson have split up. I saw Nicky Butler
selling jewelry on one of the home shopping channels fairly
recently. I'm not sure what Wilson is doing at present.
C
Cabin Craft: Founded in 1933 by Doris Heise in Ephraim, Wisconsin.
Made silver jewelry. Doris made all the jewelry herself. High
quality, hand crafted pieces which are scarce on the market and
priced accordingly. Doris died in 1997.
Cadoro: (pr: Ca DOOR o) Founded in the 1960s by Dan Steneslieu, a
descendant of the Romanian royal family, and Steven Brody, a 1950s
movie star. Their jewelry displayed handcrafted, custom designs of
old world Russia and Romania, with brushed gold-tone metal finishes
and antique jewelry stones from around the world. Dan Steneslieu,
the designer, died in the late 1960s and the company ceased
operations in 1970. Not seen too commonly on the market, very
collectible and priced accordingly.
Calvaire: Calvaire, Inc. was founded by Ray Calish and his wife in
the early 1920s. Known for their use of high quality materials and
excellent craftsmanship. Probably ceased operations in the mid
1950s. Pot metal jewelry was signed on a plaque with the "C"
extending beyond the "al" in Calvaire. Sterling jewelry (produced
during World War II) and stamped jewelry was impressed with
"Sterling" and Calvaire in block letters.
Carl-Art: Founded in Providence, Rhode Island in 1937 and in
business until the 1980s. Manufactured sterling silver and
gold-filled jewelry and accessories. Signed with an arrow going
through the letters CA.
Carnegie, Hattie: Born Henrietta Kanengesier in Vienna, Austria in
1886. Emigrated to US in 1904. On the ship to America, she
supposedly asked the name of America's richest man. Adopted the
last name of Andrew Carnegie. In 1909 she opened her first shop,
Carnegie-Ladies Hatter. In 1918 she founded Hattie Carnegie, Inc.
and started manufacturing high-quality costume jewelry to complement
her clothing line. Flowers, leaves and fruit are recurring motifs as
well as oriental figures and stylized animals. Employed enamel, faux
pearls, rhinestones and glass beads. Carnegie issued her first CJ
collection in 1939, so none of her marked jewelry is older than
that.
Died in 1956, but production of
jewelry and clothing continued. Acquired by the Chromology American
Corp. in 1976. Marked "Hattie Carnegie", "Carnegie" or "HC". Her
jeweled hair ornaments and cases may be marked "Pooped Pussy Cat" or
"Pooped Poodle". Can be found on the market and are collectible and
priced accordingly.
Castlecliff: Founded by Clifford Furst in New York in 1937 and out
of business in the 1970s. Bold, intricate jewelry of good quality
materials. William Markle was the chief designer. Large signed
pieces are the most sought after. The jewelry is usually marked
Castlecliff on a cartouche. During the last 15 years of production,
the copyright symbol was added.
Caviness, Alice : After World War II and her success in the garment
industry, Alice Caviness began production of costume jewelry on Long
Island, New York. Her pieces are characterized by the use of
high-quality materials and unusual combinations of colors and
stones. She died in 1983 but production of jewelry continues on
under the leadership of her partner, Lois Stevens. Jewelry is marked
Alice Caviness.
Celebrity: Costume jewelry marked Celebrity may have been made by a
New York company named Celebrity Jewelry Co. and was marketed
through home party plans similar to Sarah Coventry. (Not to be
confused with the Celebrity Jewelry Co. of Philadelphia who
manufactures only fine jewelry.) Celebrity jewelry is of variable
quality with the rhinestone pieces commanding higher prices. Three
different signatures were used: Celebrity, Celebrity, NY on an oval
plaque, and Celebrity with a copyright symbol. Only one piece in a
set may be marked.
Chanel: (pr: SHA Nell) Coco Chanel was born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel
in Saumur, France in 1883. She made her living as a seamstress. In
1909 she opened a millinery shop in Paris. In 1914, with the
financial backing of her wealthy lover Boy Capel, she opened her
first house of couture in Paris. By the 1920s she was one of the
leading Parisian designers. She then opened a boutique in her Paris
salon for accessories and jewelry that complemented her fashions
rather than imitating the fine jewelry of the age. She was known for
her rows and rows of faux pearls and an abundance of ropes and
chains. In 1939 she lost her house of couture at the beginning of
World War II. In 1945 she was exiled to Switzerland for her love
affair with a Nazi officer. She reopened her salon in 1954 with her
"comeback" collection. In 1960 she began working with Parisian
designer Robert Goossens as her chief designer. In 1971, Chanel died
at the age of 88. Her company continued to produce collections that
were reissues of her signature style until 1983 when Karl Lagerfeld
took over as director.
Charel: (pr: SHA Rell) Charel Jewelry Co, Inc. was founded in
Brooklyn NY circa 1945. Manufactured a complete line of costume
jewelry which is not commonly found on the market.
Ciner: (pr: SEE ner) Ciner Manufacturing Company was founded by
Emanuel Ciner in 1892 and produced fine jewelry. They began
manufacturing high quality costume jewelry in 1931 and are still in
business today. Ciner pieces look like fine jewelry, but employ
rhinestones rather than gemstones. Most pieces after 1945 are marked
Ciner.
Cini: (pr: CHEE nee) Cini was founded in Boston in 1922 by Guglielmo
Cini, an Italian immigrant. Cini was a master jeweler whose hallmark
was sterling repousse, filigree, solid three dimensional, and
sometimes hand wrought pieces - all exquisite, all collectible.
Almost always signed Cini. Ceased operation in 1970, but resumed in
1993.
Claudette: Claudette is the trademark of the Premier Jewelry Co.,
Inc. first used in 1945. Extremely rare on the market. The jewelry
employed quality stones and fine workmanship. Probably ceased
operation in mid 1950s.
Coppola e Toppo: (pr: CO pola e TOW po) Founded in the late 1940s in
Milan, Italy by brother and sister jewelry designers Bruno Coppola
and Lyda Toppo. Known for multiple strands of crystal, Murano glass
and plastic beads. Early 1940s pieces are signed Mikey (their pet
dog). 1950s pieces are marked "Made in Italy by Coppola e Toppo".
Also produced jewelry for Dior, Balenciaga and Schiaparelli during
this period. Absorbed by a large Italian company in 1972 which
continued production of Coppola e Toppo jewelry. Ceased operations
in 1986. Can be found on the market, very collectible and priced
accordingly.
Coro: A book could be written on Coro, but I will just give the
highlights. Founded in 1901 by Emanuel Cohn and Gerald Rosenberg in
New York. By mid 1920s Coro was the largest manufacturer of costume
jewelry. Ceased production in 1979. Coro used many different marks:
Coro in use since 1919, Coro craft since 1937, Corocraft after World
War II, Pegasus (winged horse) after World War II, Coro Elegant and
Coro Supreme on pearl jewelry, Corograms on initial jewelry,
Corolite, Coro Radiance, Corochrome, Coro-Klad, Coro Magic and Coro
Originals. More than 70 additional trademarks were used such as:
Aristocrat and Valiant on pearls, Quick-Trik and Round the Clock on
earrings, Dreamboat on lockets, Andree on accessories, and Cellini,
Jewelcraft, Colorama, Debutante, Duette, Maharani, Paragon, Raven,
Splendor and Vendome. Early Coros, Duettes, figurals with a clear
Lucite central stone known as a jelly belly, Mexican sterling
pieces, some Corocrafts, most Vendomes and well designed sets of the
1930-1950 era are highly collectible.
Crislu: Crislu was started in 1961 by Lloyd Crisfield. He is still
the CEO of the company. They sell to some department stores
including Nordstroms and Bloomingdale's, Las Vegas Casinos, and many
boutiques throughout the United States and Europe. They state that
they manufacture everything from stud earrings to giant tennis
necklaces with a retail price range of $60 to $1000.
Cristobal: Founded in London in 1986 as a retailer of 20th century
costume jewelry. In the late 1990s, owners Steven Miners and Yai
Thammachote launched their own limited edition designs. There are
four series: the Butterfly Collection, the Secret Garden Collection,
the London Collection and the X-mas Collection. Used only the
highest quality Austrian crystals mostly from the 1940s and 1950s.
Very collectible and priced accordingly.
Czech Glass Jewelry: From the 1890s to late 1930s, distinctive and
beautiful costume jewelry was produced in Gablonz, Czechoslovakia
which employed glass stones in rich colors and filigree backings .
The more complex and ornate the piece, the more collectible and
higher priced it is. Often signed Czech or Czechoslovakia.
D
Danecraft: Danecraft, Inc. was founded by Victor Primavera in
Providence, Rhode Island in 1939. During World War II the company
changed its name to Felch and Co. After his death in 1977, the
company changed its name to Felch-Wehr Company. They are still in
business and market their silver and vermeil jewelry under the
Danecraft name. Danecraft is known for quality silver jewelry
reminiscent of Scandinavian design.
Dante: (pr DON tay) Dante Inc. manufactured primarily men's jewelry
and accessories. The company ceased operation in the 1970s. Their
jewelry was of exceptionally high quality and not always marked.
David-Andersen: Founded in Oslo, Norway in 1876 and still in
business. Produces beautifully designed silver jewelry decorated
with fine enamelwork. Usually commands a high price. Marked
David-Andersen or D-A.
Davis, Fred: Frederick W. Davis was born in 1880. Because of family
circumstances, he relocated to Mexico in 1910 where he went to work
for the Sonora News company which had a franchise to sell papers and
curios in railway stations. During travel into all parts of Mexico,
he was able to buy folk art and learn the crafting traditions of
different areas. By the time he became manager, he had already
established a network of artisans from whom he could buy directly.
He began to take an interest in the jewelry worn by Mexican women.
He sought out master silversmiths in Mexico City and worked with
them to produce silver pieces. His designs were inspired by
Pre-Columbian art. The Sonora News Company sold his earlier designs.
In 1933 he moved from the Sonora News Company into a partnership
with Frank Sanborn and became manager of antiques and fine crafts at
Sanborn's - the department store in Mexico City where tourists would
go. Retired from Sanborn's circa 1950 and died in 1961. Very
collectible and priced accordingly.
Deauville: Jewelry with the trademark name of Deauville was
manufactured by the JR Wood & Sons Co. which was founded in
Brooklyn, New York in 1850. For the first 25 years, Mr Wood devoted
his time to manufacturing wedding rings. In 1883 Rawson Wood was
admitted to the partnership and the name was changed to JR Wood &
Son. In 1889 John Wood was admitted to the partnership and the name
changed to JR Wood & Sons. They continued to manufacture wedding
rings, engraved bands and signet rings. Mr. Wood died in 1897 and
his sons continued the business. They merged into Lennox, Inc.
located in Trenton, New Jersey in 1970. Deauville jewelry was most
likely made after the merger. In 1975 the name changed from JR Wood
to Art-Carved, Inc.
DeLizza and Elster: If you've ever cruised around Ebay looking at
vintage costume jewelry you have no doubt seen some spectacular
rhinestone pieces referred to as "Juliana". These pieces were made
by DeLizza and Elster, founded in 1947 in New York City by William
DeLizza and Harold Elster. "Juliana" was the name of one of their
lines of jewelry started in 1963. They were never signed, but tagged
with paper tags. The line was only called "Juliana" in 1963 and
1964. There are also similar pieces tagged "Tara". Mark Mercy,
former designer for Stanley Hagler and now designing his own line,
states that DeLizza and Elster had their physical manufacturing
plant in Brooklyn, New York. They manufactured jewelry for more than
800 different companies including Weiss, Alice Caviness, Hobe,
Schrager, Hattie Carnegie, Kramer, YSL, etc.
DeMario, Robert: DeMario was founded in 1945 in New York City by
Robert DeMario and ceased production in 1960 when Robert DeMario
decided to quit the business and retire to Florida. His jewelry
employed superior craftsmanship and design. Often mistaken for
Haskell jewelry. He did work for Miriam Haskell in the 1940s.
Relatively rare and commands high prices on the market. Usually
marked with the name DeMario or DeMario NY.
De Nicola: Founded by Jerry De Nicola in 1957. Fine quality costume
jewelry. Sometime in early 1960s it became part of the Capri Jewelry
Company. Ceased operation in 1973. Signed De Nicola pieces are rare
and highly collectible.
DeRosa: Founded in New York City by Ralph DeRosa in about 1935.
Unique designs and superb craftsmanship. Major period of production
was from 1935 to the mid 1950s. Because so much of their work was
manufacturing for other designers, jewelry of their own with the
DeRosa signature was very limited. Ceased operation in the late
1960s. Much of the jewelry is unmarked. Signed DeRosa pieces are
very collectible and command high prices.
Dior, Christian : Founded House of Dior in 1930 as a fashion house.
Jewelry and other accessories were selected to complement his
fashions. Production was of limited quantity. They were the first to
use aurora borealis rhinestones. From 1930 to 1955 Mitchell Maer
held the jewelry license for Dior jewelry. Kramer of New York from
1950 to 1957 in the United States. Dior West Germany and the year of
manufacture is on pieces licensed to the Grosse family, a famous
German jewelry firm. After the death of Christian Dior in 1957, Yves
St. Laurent, who had been Dior's apprentice, continued producing the
jewelry for Dior. Mark Bohan was head designer in 1960, Gianfranco
Ferre head designer 1989, John Galliano head designer 1996. As of
1958, jewelry is signed Christian Dior in an oval.
Dodds: Based on the designs and material, Dodds jewelry was probably
produced in the 1950s to 1960s. It is of higher quality, employing
top quality multicolored and iridescent cabochon and faceted stones
mounted on gold plated metal bases. Relatively rare. Signed Dodds.
Dorsons: D. Ornstein & Sons Corp. New York, New York. In business in
the late 1940s and early 1950s. No other information available.
Signed dorsons or Jubilee.
Duane: No definitive information. Possibly ceased business in early
1950s. Of average quality and usually clear rhinestones. Signed
DUANE on clasp or clip. Rare to find a signed piece.
DuJay: Could find no definitive information on the company. Founded
by Jules Hirsch and Jacques Leff as a division of Hirsch & Leff who
were makers of fine jewelry. Pieces are usually rhodium plated and
not pot metal. Exquisite enameling. Very high quality. Rare to find
and priced accordingly. This is from "Amazing Gems" by Deanna
Farnetti Cera : "In 1946 Fortune Magazine named DuJay as one of the
most successful costume jewelry manufacturers. They rarely placed
their tradename on its products. Jewelry produced by DuJay was the
result of exceptional workmanship. Tiny pave rhinestones. Enameling
that looked like dabs from an Expressionist painting. The stones
were always crystal."
E
Eisenberg: Founded by Jonas Eisenberg in 1914 in Chicago. Initially
produced high-quality clothing with glittery accessories which were
produced by other companies such as Ora. Began production and
marketing of jewelry about 1930. Abandoned production of clothing in
1958 in order to focus exclusively on jewelry. Became a division of
Berns-Friedman in 1977. Eisenberg jewelry used high-quality
materials, superior workmanship and the best stones. The jewelry was
never sold at low prices. Early Eisenbergs were not marked. Around
1935-1945, the company used the mark Eisenberg Original. Script
letter E was used during the war years. Eisenberg in script was used
as early as 1935. Eisenberg Ice in block letters was used during
1945-1958 period. Ruth M. Kamke, one of their chief designers from
1940 to 1972 used sparkling rhinestones in settings that enhanced
their icy whiteness. Jewelry manufactured during 1958-1970 period
was usually not marked. Company began using Eisenberg Ice in script
in 1970, but many pieces were only marked with a tag. Jewelry began
to be prong-set or glued in 1975. Prior to that they had been
hand-set. The company is now called Eisenberg Classics. All
Eisenberg is collectible and will rise in value. Early 1940s figural
brooches are particularly sought after.
Elzac: The Elzac Inc. Manufacturing company was founded in Los
Angeles in 1941. They were the makers of the Victims of Fashion pins
which featured ceramic, Lucite, feathers, etc. - materials used due
to the shortages of conventional materials during World War II. In
1943 they started their Black Magic line which featured jewelry that
was mostly black in color. Ceased operations circa 1947.
Emmons: Charles H Stuart founded Emmons Jewelers, Inc. in 1949. He
marketed through home parties and shows. The company was primarily a
distributor of costume jewelry designed and manufactured by others
under contract with Emmons. The company went out of business in the
early 1980s. Their jewelry had varied quality and design. There is
an abundance of Emmons jewelry on the market.
Eugene: Eugene began manufacturing jewelry around 1950. He had
previously worked as a designer for Miriam Haskell and his jewelry
is similar and of high quality. Stopped production around 1960.
Relatively rare. Marked Eugene.
Evans: Founded in 1920, the Evans Case Company is most famous for
its compacts, cigarette cases and lighters. Beginning in the 1920s,
Evans manufactured beautiful enamel jewelry which is very scarce on
the market. This jewelry shows Art Deco influences and employs
enamel work rather than imitation stones. In the 1950s, they
manufactured a line of enamel jewelry using the same technology they
used on their guilloche enamel compacts. This jewelry showed the Art Moderne influence. Most is in pastel colors combined with gold
plated metal. This jewelry is very scarce on the market. Marked
Evans - sometimes on a small metal tag attached to the necklaces.
Evco: Founded in Ottawa, Canada circa 1950 by Abraham Evenchick.
They specialized in pearls. Abraham's sons Brian and Mark run the
company today. Rare to find signed pieces on the market.
Excell Manufacturing: Founded in Providence, Rhode Island in 1919.
Still in business today. Manufacturers of 10 and 14K gold-filled and
Sterling chains, sautoirs, mesh bags. Signatures are Excell over a
large XL, XL, Excellink and Sweetheart
Page A-E
Page F-I Page J-L
Page M-O Page
P-R
Page S-U Page
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