Note: I have researched these designers to the best of my knowledge, but the information is not guaranteed!
1928 Jewelry Company - This company was founded in 1968 in Burbank, California by Melvyn J. Bernie, and is still in business. The company's jewelry is easily recognized by the swirled pattern etched on the back of each piece. Of special note is the fact that the company holds the license to produce pieces for the Vatican Library Collection. Their signature look is reproductions of Victorian-era jewelry. They recently introduced the "2028" mark for pieces exclusively sold through Macy's. The company is one of the few remaining privately held jewelry manufacturers. To see my 1928 Jewelry, click HERE
AJC - American Jewelry Chain Co. In business from 1927 through the 1990s. To see my AJC jewelry, click HERE
Alpaca - A silver-colored metal that is actually not silver, but is a mixture of copper, zinc, nickel and only about 2% silver. Often made in Mexico and Peru.
ART - The actual name of this New York company was Art Mode Jewelry Creations, Inc. (and also seen as ModeArt), though the marks read "Art." Arthur Pepper started the company, which produced jewelry from the 1940s through the 1970s. Close in style to Florenza and Hollycraft, the pieces generally feature colorful stones and rhinestones. To see my ART jewelry, click HERE
Austria - This mark began in the early 1900s (though the techniques and jewelry were made as early as 1730) and is still being used. Generally this jewelry features high quality Austrian Swarovski Company crystals (a company founded in 1891) and are also often enameled. To see my Austrian jewelry, click HERE
Avery, James - In business since 1954, the company is located in Kerrville, TX. This popular and collectible mark is a three-pronged candelabra with the initials JA. To see my James Avery jewelry, click HERE
Avon - Avon has made jewelry from 1971 to the present. The company designed and made jewelry for Trifari in 1986, and Kenneth J. Lane has been a designer for them since that same year. Other names associated with Avon include Seymour M. Kent (1976-1980) Louis Feraud 1984, Celia Sebiri 1987, Jose and Maria Barrera 1989-1996, Shaill Jhevari 1993-1994, Elizabeth Taylor 1993-1997, Coreen Simpson 1994-1998, Billy D. Williams, Nina Ricci, Luke Razza, Felicia, Marley Simon, Nicky Butler, R.J. Graziano, Susan Lucci, Karen and Eric Erickson, Adrienne and Technibond. The company began its life in 1886 as California Perfume, and became Avon Products in 1939. Both in the past and in the present, Avon products have been sold person-to-person, through Avon representatives.To see my Avon Jewelry, click HERE.
B. David - 1945 to 1993. Founded in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1945, the company's jewelry is above-average in quality and known for its delicate, feminine qualities. In 1993, Debra Moreland of Paris purchased the manufacturing facilities. Her jewelry is marked simply "Paris." To see my B. David jewelry, click HERE
Bell Trading Post (Also Bell Copper) - In business since 1935 to the late 1980s. Founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and named after founder Jack Michelson's wife, Mildred Bell. The company sold Indian jewelry at tourist locations in the western US. To see my Bell Copper Jewelry, click HERE
Bergére - The Erbert & Pohls company produced Bergére jewelry from 1947 to 1979. The jewelry was sold mostly at high-end department stores. To see my Bergére jewelry, click HERE
Boucher, Marcel - 1937 to 1979 (Canadian, pronounced Boo-Shay.) A highly collectible designer, Boucher's designs are original and creative, and frequently feature figurals. The mark with the phrygian cap was used from 1937 to 1949 (and ocassionaly later when there wasn't room for the whole other mark). In the early 1930s, Boucher worked for another pair of famous designers, the Mazer brothers. Marcel died in 1966, and in 1979 the company was purchased by D'Orlan in Canada. To see my Boucher jewelry, click HERE
B.S.K. - In business from 1948 to the early 1980s. From the "B. Steinberg-Kaslo Co. (Julius Steinberg, Morris Kimmelman, Hyman Slovitt and Abraham J. Slovitt.) To see my BSK jewelry, click HERE
Cadoro - 1945 to 1970. Started in 1945 by actor Steve Brody and Dan Staneskieu. Considered to be quite high-fashion at the time, the company used only the best quality materials in their jewelry. Particularly popular were their three-dimensional figurals and Russian-inspired pieces. Without looking at the mark, pieces are sometimes mistaken for Kenneth J. Lanes work. The company ceased doing business in 1970. To see my Cadoro jewelry, click HERE
Carolee - 1972 to present. Founded in 1972 by Carolee Friedlander, a trained architect. What started out as hobby jewelry making evolved into a company with more than 300 employees, with the name Carolee Designs, Inc. Her designs for the Duke of Windsor and his wife led to the creation of her "Duchess of Windsor" line. To see my Carolee jewelry, click HERE
Celebrity - Though not a lot is known about this company, Celebrity jewelry was sold through home parties, probably from the mid-50s to the early 70s, from a company located in Brooklyn, NY. Mark is also Celebrity Gems and Celebrity NY. Generally high quality, unusual pieces. To see my Celebrity jewelry, click HERE
Chico's - The primary company, Chico's Fas, Inc., was started in 1983 and is incorporated in Florida. It is a very large company (currently about 11,000 employees) with the main business being stores dealing in women's apparel, along with accessories such as jewelry, belts and purses. Chico's jewelry products are very interesting and contemporary, but I am uncertain if they have others manufacture the items or do it in-house. To see my Chico's jewelry, click HERE
Ciner - Business started in 1892 by Emanuel Ciner to make fine jewelry. Costume jewelry added in 1931 and continues to the present. Ciner jewelry is known for being well-crafted and for using high-quality materials. Located in NY, NY. To see my Ciner jewelry, click HERE
Coro - Business started in 1901 by Emanuel Cohen and Gerald Rosenberg, and ended in the U.S. in 1979 and ended in Canada about 1998. Through the years this company has used many different trade names (about 80 of them!), some of the most collectible being Coro Duette (1931), Coro Craft (1937), CoroCraft (post 1942), and Vendome (1944-1979). The company is well-known for producing figural "jelly belly" pins. Coro is a favorite of collectors, because it covers such a long and diverse period of jewelry history. To see my Coro jewelry, click HERE
Coventry, Sarah - Began in 1949 to about 1984, then again in 2002 to 2003. Charles H. Stewart founded the company and named it after his daughter, Sarah. The company was very good at promoting their jewelry, and aside from home parties, did some pretty serious advertising, both on television and in magazines. In 1975, the company designed the Miss Universe crown. (Stewart also started the Emmons Company, which like this one sold through direct selling.) To see my Sarah Coventry jewelry, click HERE
Dalsheim - 1930s to 1978. Founded by New Yorker Maurice J. Dalsheim in the late 1930s. Advertisements for the company's jewelry were placed in magazines from 1945 until 1958. Much of the jewelry was not signed, but instead had a hang tag. "White Jet" was a mark used beginning in 1939. To see my Dalsheim jewelry, click HERE
Danecraft - 1940s to present. This company has a prestigious background, and was technically started in the 1920s by Victor and Thomas Primavera, who emigrated to the US from Italy in 1910. Their company name was the Primaver Brothers Jewelry Company. When Thomas died in 1934, Victor started the Danecraft Corporation (under a parent company named Felch and Company) and in 1977 changed the name to Felch-Wehr Company (but still produced items under the name Danecraft). They are known for the high-quality sterling pieces (especially the "Vittorio" line) and are currently seen in high-end department stores. They are one of the few remaining privately owned jewelry manufacturing companies. To see my Danecraft jewelry, click HERE
D'Orlan - Maurice Braden founded this Canadian company in 1957. He had trained before that under the talented and famous Marcel Boucher, and in 1979 (after Marcel's death) the company purchased Boucher's molds from his widow. In 1984 D'Orlan entered into a partnership with the famous French designer firm of Nina Ricci and I believe those items are marked D'Orlan Paris." From the D'Orlan website: "All of D'Orlan's gold plating is triple plated 22kt. gold. The silver look of D'Orlan comes from rhodium plating which is an extremely hard metal, and thus all of the items D'orlan produces are designed to last for many years." I believe that Creed Canada acquired the company in 2006. To see my D'Orlan jewelry, click HERE
Dauplaise, Carol - In business from about 1978 to the present. She actually worked for Miriam Haskell from 1959 until she started her own business. To see my Dauplaise jewelry, click HERE
Emmons Jewelers Inc - Founded in 1949 by Charles H. Stuart. Company named after his wife, Caroline Emmons. Marks include Emmons, Emmolite, EmJ, and Ce. Similar to Sarah Coventry (that was also founded by Stuart) in that items were sold through home parties. The company ceased operations in 1981. To see my Emmons jewelry, click HERE.
Florenza - 1937 to 1981. Originally founded by Daniel Kasoff in 1937 and called the Dan Kosoff Company NY, he changed the name to Florenza in 1950 when his son, Dan, joined the company. (The son's wife's name is Florence.) Much of the jewelry has a Victorian style. They ceased operations in 1981. To see my Florenze jewelry, click HERE
Gerry's - Geraldine Giles started Gerry's Creations in the 1950s, and is believed to have stopped in about 1996. Many of her pieces have enamel and rhinestones, and she is especially known for her figural pins and Christmas tree brooches. To see my Gerry's jewelry, click HERE
Givenchy - Business was founded in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy (b. 1927 in France), and continues to the present time. Hubert retired in 1995 and John Galliano took over. It was subsequently acquired by Victoria & Co. Ltd. and then by Jones Apparel Group (but still carries the Givenchy mark). Look especially for circular cartouches (vs. ovals) because they represent the older, higher quality jewelry. To see my Givenchy jewelry, click HERE
Goldette - The Circle Jewelry Products company was formed in 1958 by Ben Gartner and used the mark "Goldette." It is believed that it discontinued operations in about 1977. The charm bracelets made by this company are especially collectible. To see my Goldette jewelry, click HERE
Haskell, Miriam - Haskell started selling her handcrafted jewelry in 1924. Many pre-war pieces are not marked, and it can take an expert to determine a true Haskell piece. She became ill in 1952 and the business has since that time changed hands numerous times. Her signature in script inside an oval or block began in 1938. To see my Haskell jewelry, click HERE
Hobé - William Hobé, a French immigrant, started the Hobé Cie company in 1927, and became reknown for his quality, handmade jewelry. A legend exists that the name "costume jewelry" came about when Florenz Ziegfield (Ziegfield Follies) used the term to describe Hobé's jewelry. Because the items made were such high quality, much of it found today remains in excellent condition. The company was sold, probably in the 1990s. To see my Hobé jewelry, click HERE.
Hollycraft - 1938-1971. Founded by Joseph Chorbajian and two others. Known for pastel colored rhinestones and combinations. Starting in the 50s, pieces were dated, a particularly nice aspect for collectors. The company's Christmas jewelry is especially treasured. Because there is such a depth to their rhinestones, they are some of the most difficult to replace. To see my Hollycraft jewelry, click HERE.
Japan - Much of the bead jewelry marked "Japan" was imported after World War II. Although not highly collectible (except for some of the lucite resin pins and the handpainted bone pieces), some of it is quite beautiful, especially the necklace/earring sets. To see my jewelry marked Japan, click HERE.
JJ (Jonette Jewelry Co.) - Originally started in 1937 by Abraham Lisker and called the Providence Jewelry Company, and then Lisker and Lisker, the company closed during WWII. When it reopened it did so under the name Jonette (a combo of the parent's name John and Etta). The "JJ" mark was used starting in 1970. Jonette is well-known for figural brooches, some of which are quite quirky and fun. The business ceased operations in 2006, so expect the pieces to become more collectible. To see my JJ jewelry, click HERE.
Kim Copper - A small company started in the 1940s (incorporated in 1952) and located in New York, this company remains in business today manufacturing costume jewelry and novelties. To see my Kim copper jewelry, click HERE.
Klein, Anne - Klein worked for Hattie Carnegie prior to 1968, when she started her own company. She died in 1974, and other designers produced jewelry under her name. In 1981 Swank began making jewelry using the Anne Klein lion logo. The Klein line is still carried by department stores. To see my Anne Klein jewelry, click HERE.
Kramer - Founded in 1943 by Louis Kramer (originally Kramer Jewelry Creations, Inc.) in New York. Business ceased operations around 1980. Louis was known for using only the finest quality rhinestones, and for designing timeless jewelry -- as much in style today as when it was created. To see my Kramer jewelry, click HERE.
Les Bernard - 1963 to 1996. Founded by Bernard Shapiro in 1963. Known for the use of marcasites, faux pearls and turquoise. Sometimes quite elaborate, and the designs span a wide range of styles. The company ceased operations in 1996. To see my Les Bernard jewelry, click HERE
Lisner - This New York company was founded in 1904 by D. Lisner, under the name of D. Lisner Company, who at that time imported Schiaparelli jewelry and sold it here. In the 1970s the company merged with Richelieu and continued to make jewelry under the Lisner mark until 1979, when this mark was discontinued. To see my Lisner jewelry, click HERE.
Marvella - In business from 1911 to the present. From 1982 - 2000 was a division of the Monet Group and then from 2000 to present is owned by Liz Claiborne. Vintage jewelry is known for having high-quality faux pearls. To see my Marvella jewelry, click HERE.
Matisse (see Renoir)
Mexico, Mexican Sterling Silver - The following information is only a brief outline of Mexican silver marks. There are whole books written on the subject! Generally, if an item is marked "Mexico Silver" or "Silver Made in Mexico" it was made from between 1920 to the mid 1940s, and it more pure than "925." Other marks used to approximately date Mexican silver are: 900: 1900 to 1920, 980 960 940 and 925: from mid 1930s to about mid 1940s. From the 1950s forward, most are marked "Sterling" or "925." From 1948 to 1979 the Mexican government required the use of "Eagle" marks, which have different forms depending on the year. Generally, however, the number on the eagle's chest designates the city or maker, with #1 being Mexico City, #3 Taxco, and #16 Margot. After 1979, the eagle mark was replaced with a letter-number mark, where the first letter indicates the location and the second letter indicates the first initial of the last name of the maker. This number is then qualified by the silversmiths level of hierarchy for that letter -- i.e. TM-24 would be the 24th silversmith whose last name began with "M" who registered in Taxco. The city codes are: T (Taxco), M (Mexico City), G (probably Guadalajara) and C (probably Cuernavaca). To see my Mexican sterling silver jewelry, click HERE. To see specifically my TAXCO jewelry, click HERE.
Monet - Originally "Monocraft" in 1927, the founders, Michael and Jay Chernow, started making costume jewelry and marking it "Monet" in 1937. In 1989 the company was sold and it has been under several owners since. The latest occured in 2000, when Liz Claiborne acquired the company. To see my Monet jewelry, click HERE.
Mylu - Probably in operation in the 1960s-70s. Company started by Marge Borofsky and Lynn Gordon. In 1968 the company became part of Coro, and a few years later the pair left to work for Tancer II. Christmas trees made by Mylu are coveted collectibles. To see my Mylu jewelry, click HERE.
Napier - Although originally started in 1875 (and called Whitney and Rice), the company only started making costume jewelry in 1922. In 1920, James Napier was president of the then-named Bliss and Co. and it was renamed Napier-Bliss. In 1922 the name was shortened to the Napier Company. In the 1980s Victoria & Co acquired Napier, but closed down the business in 1999. Jones NY is producing "Napier" jewelry, unmarked but on Napier cards, but it is not the quality of the original Napier jewelry. Currenty prized by collectors is sterling silver Napier jewelry, and art glass bracelets. To see my Napier jewelry, click HERE.
Panetta - 1945-1995. Beneditto Panetta emigrated to the U.S. from Italy in 1901, and was one of Trifari's well-known designers in the 1920s-30s. He also worked for the Pennino Bros. in the 30s-40s. He started his own company in 1945. His jewelry has exquisite detail and quality and as close to the "real thing" as you can get, and is highly regarded by collectors. Panetta died in the 1960s and his sons, Amadeo and Armand, ran it until the 1980s, when it was sold to a company outside of the U.S. This company ceased operations in 1995. To see my Panetta jewelry, click HERE.
Premier Designs - 1985 to present. Founded by Andy and Joan Horner in Irving, TX. (Not to be confused with Premier Jewelry Co., which is much older.) To see my Premier Designs jewelry, click HERE
Rabajes - Francisco Rebajes came to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 1922, when he was just 16. Poor but imaginative, his first sale was of a collection of animals made of tin cans to Juliana Force, the director of the Whitney Museum. In 1939, he had an exhibit at the World's Fair of metal relief wall hangings. By the 1950s, he had his own store on 5th Ave and 37th Street in New york, and sales were brisk, with many stores selling his jewelry. In about 1960 he and his wife moved to Spain, and in the 1970s his emphasis was on sculpture, rather than jewelry. In 1988 his wife died and he had developed Parkinson's which made it difficult for him to work. Medical expenses and the cost of his sculptures set him back so much that he was forced to sell his tools, and that, combined with his wife's death, led to him taking his own life in 1990. (Thanks to Patricia Riveron Lee for this information placed on the modernsilver.com site.) To see my Rebajes jewelry, click HERE.
Renoir - Matisse - Renoir was founded in 1946 and Matisse in 1952, both by Jerry Fells. Typically, Renoir jewelry is copper with black enamel and Matisse is copper with colorful enamel, both in a Modern or Arts and Crafts style. The jewelry has a Capron finish, giving it a warm, enduring luster. Operations ceased for both companies in 1964. To see my Renoir jewelry, click HERE
Richelieu - 1911 to 2003. Founded by Joseph H. Meyer & Bros. Richaelieu has some of the finest simulated pearls on the market, and it is unusual in that the newer jewelry is probably higher quality than the older pieces. Although the history is sketchy, at one point the company was acquired by Victoria & Co. and some pieces are marked Lisner-Richelieu. To see my Richelieu jewelry, click HERE
Roma - 1963 to present?. Roma is the mark for the Fairdeal Manufacturing Co. out of Providence, RI. I haven't been able to find much information on them. To see my Roma jewelry, click HERE
Roman - 1973 to present. This company manufactures out of St. Louis, MO, and I've always been impressed with the quality of their jewelry, although I believe most of it is made out of the country. The company was acquired in 1994 by TSI Holding Co. To see my Roman jewelry, click HERE
Sandor - 1938-1972. Sandor Goldberger founded the company in 1938. The chief designer for the first twenty years was Beatrice Grace McGowan (and her granddaughter's husband has purchased some Sandor earrings from me for a gift!). The company is known for enameled flower designs, enameled rhinestones, and Japanned work. Some of the jewelry resembles pieces done by Miriam Haskell. Pieces made in 1939 and 1940 are marked "Sandor Goldberger"; after that simply "Sandor." Operations ceased in 1972. To see my Sandor jewelry, click HERE
Stannard, Donald - 1972 to 2000. Stannard worked with Kenneth J. Lane from 1968 until 1972, when he set out on his own. He has designed many pieces of jewelry for the movie industry and for those who work in that industry. He now only makes custom jewelry for a select clientele. To see my Stannard jewelry, click HERE
Swarovski (S.A.L.) - 1862 to 1956 and then 1970-present. The Swarovski Company was founded in Austria in 1862 by Daniel Swarovski and it was this company that in 1892 came up with a way to mechanize the production of faceted glass crystals that look like diamonds. Daniel in combination with Christian Dior also developed the Aurora Borealis crystal in 1955. In the 1970s the company expanded to Providence, RI and started making their own line of jewelry. The mark "S.A.L." was used until 1988 when it was replaced with a swan symbol. Upon merging the giftware and jewelry divisions, the company is now called Swarovski Consumer Goods Ltd. To see my Swarovski jewelry, click HERE
Taxco - For information, see "Mexico - Mexican Sterling Silver" above. To see my Taxco jewelry, click HERE.
Trifari - In operation from 1910 to the present day, in one form or another. From 1910 to 1917 Gustavo and Ludovico Trifari started Trifari & Trifari. In 1912 Gustavo left and started his own business. In 1918, Gustavo Sr. and Leo F. Krussman founded Trifari and Krussman. Carl Fishel joined them in 1925 and the company was named Trifari, Krussman & Fishel, with a mark of KTF. From about 1937 on (aside from the 1920 - 1925 period) the jewelry was marked "Trifari." There are many different Trifari marks that varied through the years, but overall those with a crown on them are most desirable to collectors. After various owners starting in 1975, Trifari was acquired in 2000 by Liz Claiborne. To see my Trifari jewelry, click HERE.
Vendome - 1944 to present. A division of Coro, this company was founded in 1944 to make Coro's high-end jewelry. Helen Marion, the principal designer, elevated the company's popularity to great heights in the 1960s, with artistic, high-quality designs. Both the older and the newer pieces are held in high regard. To see my Vendome jewelry (which is included with my Coro pieces), click HERE
Weiss - 1942 to 1971. Founded in NY in 1942 by Albert Weiss, who formerly worked for Coro, the company is known for its outstanding rhinestone jewelry, especially figurals. Weiss did not design or manufacture any of his own pieces, but rather contracted with other makers. Clearly, though, he was expert at picking the right ones to put his name on! Business ceased operations in 1971. This name is especially prone to fakes, so a buyer has to be careful. To see my Weiss jewelry, click HERE
Western Germany - Jewelry marked W. Germany, West Germany or Western Germany was made between 1949 and 1990. (The Berlin Wall was built in 1961, and was opened in 1989.) In 1990, Germany was reunified. To see my West Germany jewelry, click HERE.
Whiting and Davis - In operation since 1926 but did not start making jewelry until probably around 1930. The company stopped making non-mesh jewelry in 1980, and all mesh jewelry in 1991. The jewelry frequently features metal openwork and mesh designs. To see my Whiting and Davis jewelry, click HERE.
Thank you for shopping at Sharon's Vintage Store!
Sharon's Vintage Store carries an eclectic mix of vintage jewelry and collectibles. The store has special departments featuring Coro, Trifari, Boucher, Hobe, Taxco, 1928 Company, Lisner, Sarah Coventry, Napier, Monet, JJ, Whiting Davis, Avon and Chico's. Collectibles include vintage purses, art glass and pottery, and metal collectibles.
