NEW AND VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY DESIGNERS, MARKS,
MANUFACTURERS REFERENCE INFORMATION & HISTORY
Special thanks for these pages is given to Shirley Wiesmann who has compiled this data on company history and their designers from a wide variety of sources.

The trademark for A.L. Lindroth Company, North Attelboro, Mass. since the 1940s. One item produced was a cameo pin believed to have been carved out of sardonyx/carnelian with yellow gold metal accented with an applied granular texture on the leaves (variegated with yellow, rose, and green gold filling) on each side of the cameo. The pin is considered to be of the Edwardian era (English kings named Edward) and designed for the very elite. Mark: "A.L.L." on the catch. Jewelry by this company is hard to find let alone little is know of the company and it is surmised that the company went out of business in the 1940s.

The Accessocraft Products Company, NY, was founded by Edgar Rodelheimer and Theodore Steinman, and opened in 1930. The jewelry has been classified good quality with unusual gothic designs and was highly popular in the 1960s having had the Art Deco decorative look of the 1920s and 1930s Many items had a style typical of the Renaissance, Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Rococo ornamentation. The unusual stones used in the jewelry were set in antique gold-tones or bronzed metals. Many of the 1930s pieces had a decidedly Art Deco look. The jewelry pieces were marked: "Accessocraft", "Plastigold" in September 1940, and "Feathergold" since Aug. 1945 (used for plastic jewelry including necklaces, bracelets, finger rings, earrings, jewelry clips, brooches, lockets, beads, ornamental pins, hat and hair ornaments made with precious or semi-precious metals, fancy buckles and jewelry initials) that were plastic plated. The company ceased operations in 1998.

Adele Smithline was born in 1903 and married Wesley William Simpson in 1930. Through 1930, she had worked as a designer for Gershel’s, William Bass firm, and Mary Lee Fashions. This last company allowed her to put her label on her accessory designs of jewelry, perfume and lingerie. The Adele Simpson Company, a clothing and accessories company, was found in 1944. It produced unusual designs, chains, medallions, necklaces, broaches and earrings in sterling silver and gold plated metal using clear and color pave rhinestones, faceted crystals and faux pearls. Mark: Adele Simpson" in script. The jewelry line was limited in production and ceased operations in the 1950s. Jewelry pieces are rarely found today.

Alberta jewelry was made by the Albert Manufacturing Company, Providence, RI, a jewelry company founded by Albert Weiner in 1935. The jewelry produced included designed dress clips and jewelry novelties with the use of faux pearls. Mark: "alberta" in cursive. Alberta jewelry is still being produced today.

ALBION: 1935-Present

Albion jewelry was produced by Albion Jewelers, Chicago, IL starting in 1935. They made costume jewelry of base metals and plated precious metals. Marked: "A", "Albion", and "Contessa" of pins, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets made of base plated metals since May 1955. Not all Albion jewelry pieces are marked.

ALICE: Early 1950s -?

Alice jewelry was produced by Alice Jewelry Company of Providence, RI since 1950. The company produced earrings, broaches, pins, anklets, pendants, bracelets and necklaces and specialized in high end gold plated enamel jewelry some with tiny faux pearls. Mark: "Alice " in script, "Feather Touch" for earrings since Feb. 1955. The jewelry is relatively rare.

ALICE CAVINESS: (SEE CAVINESS): 1945 - 2000

Alice Caviness, a jewelry designer, started her business in 1945 creating jewelry in sterling vermeil, enamels, using cultured pearls, many sizes of color and clear rhinestones, hand carved ivory, and imitation color stones and beads. Alice was involved in every step of designing, production and sales of her jewelry. She acquired two designers, Camille Ketronzio and Lois Steever. The jewelry produced was of the highest quality and most unusual materials, design and construction with quality open and closed-back foiled and unfoiled stones. The pieces contained imported rhinestones and beads of striking colors, some with bold color combinations, layered materials, and cross motif that were sold in high-end boutiques. Alice retired in 1970 and died in 1983. Her partner, Lois Steever continued the jewelry production until 2000. Some of the jewelry was manufactured in West Germany. Mark: "ALICE CAVINESS" in block letters on an oval tag that is soldered on the back of the jewelry piece, "CAVINESS", and "ALICE CAVINESS STERLING SILVER" IN 1945 - 2000. The Alice Caviness jewelry pieces are hard to find.

AMCO: 1919 - Late 1970’s

A. Micallef & Co. Inc. was founded in 1919 in Providence, RI producing AMCO costume jewelry. The company produced lines of costume jewelry with designs resembling fine quality jewelry, bezel set in sterling silver, gold filled and gold plated metals using rhinestones and other imitation stones, simulated gemstones and cultured and faux pearls. Their jewelry, elegant and classic in designs of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cameo brooches, pendants and rings, has the quality of Krementz with finishes not wearing off and said to have held up through the years. Marks: “STERLING AMCO“, “1/20 12K Gold Filled AMCO“, “20 12K G.F. AMCO”, “AMCO 14K GF”. AMCO costume jewelry has never been cheap and is sought after by collectors. The A. Micallef company ceased operations in the late 1970’s.

ANDERSEN, DAVID: 1876 - Present

David Andersen founded his workshop in 1876 in Oslo, Norway, the Viking mythol., and now, after 125 years, has gifted the entire world, done by generations of skilled craftsmen, with some of the most exquisite enamel jewelry and tableware accessaries of silver and gold. The enameling comes in many colors and is applied over sterling (also marked with silver content) along with Norway, the country. All the jewelry is marked on the back with either the initials "D-A NORWAY STERLING" and sometimes the full name "DAVID ANDERSEN NORWAY STERLING 925S". Natural patterns such as leaves, insects, flowers, and animals are repeated in the jewelry pieces. Leading designers are Bjorn Sgurd Oster, Synnove Korssjoen and Konrad Mehus. A common practice of Norwegian families is to hand down a cherished David Anderson jewelry piece (necklace or bracelet) to a family member. Quality of a jewelry piece is determined by the durability of the enamel. The David Anderson enameled pins, earrings, rings, and necklaces are still made today. Because of the Dragon style of the 1890s and the Art Nouveau designs, the jewelry pieces have been demanding higher prices.

ANN HAND: 1988 - PRESENT

Ann Hand founded Ann Hand LLC, one of the most distinctive and prominent jewelry design firms in Washington, DC in 1988. Ann Hand’s firm has been servicing U.S. government service personnel with pins including several First Ladies, Cabinet members, Senators, Congresswomen, and Ambassadors who also have worn her signature pin of “The Liberty Eagle”. Her jewelry designs include: The Great Seal pin, letter opener and money clip, Partners in Peace pins and earrings, Remembering Noble American pins and earrings, Justice pins, Federal Eagle pins and earrings, Bridal Collection Jewelry and Gifts, Sterling Silver pieces for Baby, Power Perfumes, Eagle Scarves, Signed pieces on cufflinks, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, scarves, picture frames, enamel boxes, and purses. Some of her artwork designs contain rubies, sapphires, diamonds and savorites in 18K gold metal. Ann Hand also designs jewelry with black and white pearl (faux South Sea Pearls) and rhinestones, the Liberty Eagle in earrings, necklaces, brooches, and lapel pins, Flags including those honoring Americans, cufflinks, necklaces, bracelets and specialty pins, Clinton Library Seal pins, Washington Landmark pins, brooches for all Armed Services, the Naval Academy, West Point etc. Her jewelry can be worn for day and evening wear.

Ann Hand’s catalog appears on her internet site and at her Washington, DC salon. Mark: New items are obtained in a pouch with print: Ann Hand Washington, D.C. The Jewelry is Marked: “Ann Hand” and “AH”. Her jewelry designs are produced in the U.S.A. and the business is still operating in 2007.
 

The Ann-Vein Company was founded by Ann Vein in Atlanta, GA in 1950. Mark: "Ann-Vein".

ANNE KLEIN: 1968 - Present

Anne Klein, a fashion and jewelry designer, who previously worked for Hattie Carnegie, established her own business, the Anne Klein & Co., for her own line of clothing and accessories in 1968. The costume jewelry produced contained designs in colored Lucite stones with gold plated or brush gold-tone metal base and enameling with the use of simulated pearls, sapphires, and turquoise stones and rhinestones. Mark "A.K." or "Ann Klein" tag, "ANNE KLEIN" in a square box. Anne Klein died in 1974. After her death in 1974, the design of her jewelry was done by Donna Karan and Louis Dell’Olio. Since 1981, the jewelry has been manufactured by Swank, Inc. using the Anne Klein lion logo. The Anne Klein jewelry along with her fashionable clothing and accessories for women is sold at Saks 5^th Ave., Bloomingdale’s, and Neiman Marcus to name a few.

ANSON: 1938 - Present

Olaf Anderson emigrated to the U.S.A. from Sweden in 1929 and founded, as president and treasurer, in 1938, the Anderson Tool & Die Co. of Providence, RI making tools and dies for the jewelry manufacturing business up until WWII (1941) when the machinery was converted into milling machines making war production work. After the war, in 1945, when the war contracts were completed, the company started manufacturing men’s jewelry that included a new type of a collar holder and a complete line of men’s jewelry, cuff links, identification bracelets, tie clips, stick pins, tie tacs, tie chains, collar holders, key devices and money clips comprised of sterling silver, gold and silver filled metal bases. The company changed its name in 1948 to Anson Inc.

In 1967, along with the men’s jewelry lines, women’s jewelry of stick pins, brooches/pins and silver beads were added to the manufacturing output that used rhodium, bronze and pewter along with the sterling silver, gold and silver filled base metals. The Tiffany Company sold Anson jewelry in their department stores.

In October 1983, Anson Inc. declared bankruptcy, emerged from a Chapter 11 reorganization and then was foreclosed on by Fleet (Fleet National Bank & Fleet Credit Corporation) who sold its assets (the operating assets and the entire inventory of Anson Inc. enabling C & J to continue the identical product lines without interruption) to C & J Jewelry in a private sale that did not include the sale information to Tiffany who was its most important retail distributor of Anson jewelry. Marks: “ANSON, Pat. Pend.”, “ANSON”. “ANSON, 12 KT GF”, “ANSON, Sterling Silver”, “Anson” in script, “ANSON, Pewter”. “ANSON, Brass”, “ANSON, Rhodium”, “ANSON, 22K GF”.

With over 50 years of experience behind it, the Anson’s jewelry embodies all the quality and craftsmanship that one expects from one of the industry’s leading U.S. manufacturers with its expertise and stringent quality control that meets and exceeds expectations for timeless, classical design quality and functionality with lifetime warranty on their costume jewelry produced insuring complete customer satisfaction. C & J Jeweler is still carrying the Anson’s trademark on the costume jewelry, and, continues today, in 2005, to manufacturer the same jewelry products at the original site. It continues to service Anson’s principle customer, Tiffany, and its other customers. The company has since branched out and added additional costume jewelry principally men’s sportsman pendants, charms, money clips, key rings, tie tacs, cuff links, collar holders, tie clips to the Anson lines. The product lines of baby jewelry and women’s bridal brooches/pins, stick pins, and silver beads are an insignificant portion of the products produced with the Anson name today. Anson jewelry is sold on the internet by Anson Jewelry, and R. Entrerprises, Jewelry for the Sportsman, and Personalized Engraved Anson Jewelry.

ART: Mid 1940s - LATE 1970s

ART jewelry was produced by ART MODE JEWELRY CREATIONS, INC. The company made fine costume jewelry from the mid 1940s until the 1970s. The jewelry made had variety, unusual designs, usually with a Victorian or Art Deco style with glued in clear and multi-colored rhinestones and simulated pearls done in antique gold-tone metals. The company had commonly used unusual color combinations of high quality rhinestones and cabochons that were set in ornate metal work or filigree. The jewelry produced was similar in style to those produced by Florenza and was also comparable in quality and variety to that of Hollycraft. The medium to high quality jewelry pieces include figural items and Victorian pieces in many different styles. Marked: "ART in a square with a copyright symbol". ART jewelry is becoming very collectible and the quality pieces with unusual designs, multicolor stones, figural pins and pave set pieces are the favorites and are expected to rise in value. The company ceased operations in the late 1970s.

ASCH GROSSBARDT JEWELRY: 1800s - Present

For over 2 centuries, the Asch and Grossbardt families under the cofounders Larry Asch and Eric Grossbardt with the establishment of Asch/Grossbardt Inc., New York have produced fine jewelry and their collection of jewelry is known throughout the world. The company is recognized as being the foremost and premier manufacturer of fine inlayed gold jewelry with the original and copyrighted design pieces sold exclusively in partnership with authorized retail jewelry stores, fine stores that are upscale retailers. A list of stores in the USA, Europe, Japan, and the Caribbean selling Asch Grossbardt jewelry is listed on their internet site: aschgrossbardt.com.

With superb craftsmanship, each piece of Asch Grossbardt jewelry is artistically designed that transforms spectacular gemstones that are hand-cut and hand-set into seamless beautiful patterns in fine inlayed gold and sterling silver resembling the stained glass windows of a glorious European cathedral. After the stones are set in place, they are lapped on a wheel until smooth so that one cannot feel or see where one stone ends and another begins producing jewelry pieces that are extremely durable and are guaranteed to withstand everyday wear. The 14k gold or 18k gold or sterling silver is inlayed with hand-cut quality gemstones compounded to include black onyx, natural red coral, banded malachite, red jasper, sugilite (reddish, purple color stone discovered in 1970 from Africa), lapis lazuli, turquoise, diamonds and Australian opal and white mother-of-pearl topped with enamel.

The outside or inside jewelry piece may have white full cut .025 carat diamonds in white or bright yellow 14k gold metal. If newly purchased, a pouch will be enclosed. Mark: “Around outside of circle Asch/Grossbardt, inside circle AG”, “c in a circle for copyright, A/G,14k”, tag reads: “AG, Asch/Grossbardt” Asch Grossbardt was the leading designer of the company.

In May of 2001. Eric Grossbardt became the sole owner of Asch/Grossbardt Inc. when the cofounder, Larry Asch retired after more than 50 years in the jewelry industry.

Asch/Grossbardt jewelry, because of the unique quality, breath-taking color and meticulous craftsmanship, is referred to, on their internet site, aschgrossbardt.com, as being “on the short list of the most-coveted collections for true connoisseurs of fine jewelry“. Each jewelry piece is considered a work of art, is highly priced and sought after, is outstanding and beautiful to see and to wear, and is made in the U.S.A.

AUSTRIA JEWELRY: 1730 - Present

Austria’s crystal glass was produced by a technique of applying lead to the back of glass to enhance the brilliance and sparkle. The inventor was George Frederic Strass, a Parisian, in the year 1730. He became so well known that he was appointed a prominent jeweler position for the King of France in 1734 and the Strass Crystal Stone bears his name.

Rhinestones, also known as crystals, have been around for centuries being cut and finished by hand which was a very timely process. The Swarovski Company was founded by Daniel Swarovski in Watten, Austria (in the Tyrolean Alps) in 1862. In 1891, Austrian Daniel Swarovski revolutionized the jewelry industry by creating a glass cutting machine which cut faceted glass that created such dazzle and brilliance to the glass. This glass outshined anything on the market at that time in history. Daniel Swarovski’s creation for rhinestones was made for speedy production and the process produced magnificent finished stones. This process of producing the cut glass rhinestones or crystals, sometimes has a foiled and flat backing with the use of lead content to enhance the sparkle and brilliance which is still being used today worldwide.

Swarovski rhinestones and crystals are consider the “Top of the Line” and today, the Swarovksi Corporation is known to produce the world’s finest crystal stones with different types being produced by Korean, Czech, Acrylic and Plastic that are in no way a comparison to the sparkle and brilliance of the Swarovski stones. The emphasis on the high lead content causes the brilliant sharp color to be reflected back to the viewer in a magnificent display of prismatic color.

TSwarovski company also perfected a surface coating on the crystals called Aurora Borealis that seems to explode with color even without bright light passing through them. Coloring agents of red, blue, green, violet etc. have been added to the crystals making the colors dance out of the crystals quickly at different viewing angles.

Since 1900, costume jewelry was being produced in Austria with factories founded, one in Tyrol (in the Tyrolean Alps) producing costume jewelry of all kinds, the quality of which is still today unique in the whole wide world. After the year 1915, a number of costume jewelry producers settled in Austria. Through their technical skills combined with Austrian taste, and sense for art, the costume jewelry production reached its full bloom, so that the fame of Austrian costume jewelry was established all over the world. The common jewelry found today from Austria consists of rhinestone and crystal made of glass, Austrian glass beads, some with enameled work. Most of the quality of the jewelry produced is above average, made with top quality rhinestones and crystals. It is marked “Made in Austria” or “Austria”.

The United States imports jewelry from Austria. Austria is a major source of rhinestones and crystals with the Swarovski Corporation being one of the biggest suppliers.

Austria also produces the finest selection of gold, silver, and platinum jewelry using precious gemstones, semi-precious gems, multi-sized and colored pearls, crystals and rhinestones, creations from unexpected materials, and some contemporary jewelry that is intricate and delicately creative. The jewelry is striking, elegant and different and is found in small, exclusive and elegant boutiques in Austria. The cost of a piece of Austrian jewelry can be inexpensive or outrageous depending on its content.
 

AVON: 1886 - Present

Avon was founded by D.H. McConnell, Sr. in 1886 as the California Perfume Company in New York. In 1939, the company changed its name to Avon Products, Inc. producing fragrances, make-up, skincare, and bath/body products. In 1971, Avon started producing many lines of jewelry including figurals, perfume-holding pins, watches, and standard items of costume jewelry, necklaces, brooches, bracelets, earrings, and rings with the quality of these pieces ranging from cheaply-made to very good and were produced in large quantities. It is said that the jewelry made varies in quality from cheaply made to interesting pieces that compare to the better Sarah Coventry and the average Coro jewelry. The Avon products including low cost, high quality American costume jewelry was sold directly to the American consumer by Avon representatives going from door to door or scheduling house parties. The company did not make their own jewelry but other firms manufactured and designed their product lines. The Krementz Co. was one of the manufactures.

A list of some of the designers who have sold and are selling costume jewelry on AVON are: Seymour M. Kent, Louis Feraud, Kenneth Jay Lane, Celia Sebiri, Jose’ Maria Barrera, Shaill Jhevari, Elizabeth Taylor, Coreen Simpson, Luke Razza, Akoya Culture Pearls, Felicia, Marley Simon, Nicky Butler, R.J. Graziano, Susan Lucci, Technibond, Anne’s Eye for Annie Gilbar, Erickson B for Karen and Eric Erickson, Maharaja Collection and Adrienne. AVON jewelry is marked: “Name of designer, made for AVON”.

In 1998, Avon closed its jewelry plants in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Now, in 2006, one of the Avon jewelry plants has closed in San Sebastian, Spain (had opened in 1982) due to the company’s restructuring . Avon’s sales and distribution network in Spain will not be affected. The reason given was that the consumers now seek more complex designs, and the operating costs have risen. Avon will now acquire its products from Asia. AVON jewelry is still sold through their representatives, is said to not be particularly valuable, but is of interest to those who collect Avon memorabilia. AVON is still selling costume jewelry today, in 2006, with many designer pieces listed and sold on its internet site “Avon-The Official Site”, on eBay and on Avon Jewelry Sites on TV listed on the internet.

Avon Jewelry Plant To Close: Caribbean from AllBusiness
 

AVON OF BELLEVILLE: 1945 - 1971 (Not Affiliated with The Avon Perfume Co. or the Avon Products Inc.)

The Avon of Belleville Jewelry Company was founded by Abe Mazer in 1945 in Ontario, Canada with the trademark registered as “AVON” in capital block letters. The company’s ownership changed from Abe Mazer to Avon Canada Ltd in 1971 because of a trademark infringement due to the fact that the Avon Perfume Co. took offense to the name “Avon of Belleville” It is also noted that the Avon Perfume Co. started introducing fashion jewelry in the year 1971. It has also been said that their is no comparison to the better quality, construction and stone selection of the Avon of Belleville jewelry pieces produced from 1945 to 1971 to those of the Avon Perfume Co. produced from 1971 to 2006.

Avon of Belleville jewelry pieces including necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and earrings that were beautifully designed and well made of gold tone, silver tone or sterling silver base metals with faceted clear and colored rhinestones and crystals of glass and simulated pearls claw set in the metal. Marcel Boucher had worked with the Mazers in the 1930s and apparently continued his association with them through Avon of Belleville for many of their jewelry pieces produced have the Boucher characteristics in design, quality of construction and selections of stones. Avon of Belleville jewelry was marked with design inventory numbers. Mark: “AVON” in block upper case letters, or “Avon” in script with a “four digit code number” and may or may not contain “CANADA” in block letters, or “Avon” block letters found on earrings, or “STERLING AVON” in block letters, or on a Hanging Tag: “Avon” in script, and “BELLEVILLE” in block letters below the Avon name. The company ceased operations in 1971.
 

B. David Jewelry was founded in 1945 in Cincinnati, OH. The jewelry is usually above average in design, quality and materials used. Usually signed "B. David" in an oval frame, or "b. david" in a divided square, or "bd" diagonally used or "B. DAVID" 1945 to present. The B. David Jewelry Company produced jewelry until 1990. Debra Moreland of Paris, France and now of Cincinnati, Ohio purchased only the manufacturing facilities in 1993 and sells her jewelry to over 300 stores. Debra’s speciality leans towards Bridal Cakes, Bridal Jewelry and Bridal Accessories. Now, Debra’s jewelry and other sale items are marked: "Paris...".

BANANA REPUBLIC: 1983 - Present

Gap, Inc. was founded by Don Fisher (now Chairman Emeritus) and his wife Doris in 1969 in San Francisco, California.

Banana Republic was acquire by Gap, Inc. in 1983 at which time the brand had 2 stores and a safari motif. Banana Republic has now grown from its origin to an empire in its own right and is now a well-known retailer of women and men’s mid scale (not high-dollar, but far from discount) apparel stores with 450 located in the U.S., Canada, and Japan. Today, Gap, Inc. is one of the world’s largest specialty retailers with more than 3,000 stores and a revenue in 2005 at $16 million with brand names of The Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Forth & Towne that employs more than 150,000 around the world.

Banana Republic’s jewelry designs are comprised of sterling silver, 18K over sterling silver, silver-tone and gold-tone base metals with colored imitation pearls, mother-of-pearl, sea shells, beads, and gemstones, and glass rhinestones and crystals faceted and embedded in the metal.

Paul Pressler is not President of Gap, Inc. Banana Republic jewelry is said to be an accessible luxury brand, and an affordable luxury for rich and middle class women and men. Mark: Tagged: “Banana Republic”. Their jewelry designs, accessories and apparel can also be found on the internet at Banana Republic.com and publications of their product lines are seen in leading women and men’s magazines.

Banana Republic is still in operation in 2006.
 

Barclay Jewelry Inc., of Providence, RI, originated as the New England Glasswork Co. in 1911. It became Rice-Weiner Co. in 1938 with Alvin and Robert Rice as owners. The jewelry pieces were hand-set, glued in, using multicolor pastel rhinestones of various shapes and sizes to gold plated and silver filigree metals. The company split in 1946 and was named Barclay Jewelers Inc. with the designer Louis Mark using the Mark: "Barclay", on a pallet, "Barclay/Art in Jewelry" used since 1948, and "Peltanium" since 1953. Most pieces of jewelry were signed but they were not marked the last few years of existence to 1957. The architectural structure and workmanship of the earlier jewelry pieces was superior to the latter ones. Earlier jewelry had heavier weight, glued without overflow, and thicker metal plating, The jewelry is classified as of average quality compared to Coro and Lisner and similar to Hollycraft in workmanship. Note: Rice-Weiner Co. was also relaunched in 1946 introducing 2 new lines, Jeray and American Beauty Pearls. The company ceased operations in 1957. The multicolor rhinestone sets are a favorite with collectors

McClelland Barclay, a well known illustrator, artist and sculptor, formed McClelland Barclay Art Products Inc. of NY in 1937 producing jewelry using his own designs. Before long, he expanded into designing jewelry for Rice-Weiner in the 1930s to 1940s. The jewelry made was highly stylized as Art Deco using geometric shaped stones, and high quality rhinestones in the jewelry designs. His jewelry is well built using proven construction methods to create a sturdy base. Early Barclay jewelry used the metal named "Vermeil", a gold-tone wash over sterling silver. He also used the man made synthetic gemstones that looked like the real sapphires, rubies etc. These stones were comparable to the also used new plastic stones, Bakelite and Lucite. The jewelry pieces were marked by his full name "McCelland Barclay" except for individual pieces commissioned marked "Mac", and "McCelland Barclay STERLING SILVER". McClelland Barclay was killed in action during WWII and the company ceased operations in 1943, only 6 years after its formation. Jewelry by McCelland Barclay is well constructed and said to be elegant and wonderful finds.

BARRY KIESELSTEIN-CORD or BARRY CORD: Late 1970’s to Present

Barry Kieselstein-Cord, a jewelry designer, artist and a businessman was born in 1951 in New York City, NY and grew up there and in Long Island. His mother was an illustrator, highly creative and a bit eccentric and nurtured the artist in her son. His father was trained as an architect but spent most of his life in the real-estate business.

The Barry Kieselstein-Cord Company is one of American’s largest owned fine jewelry companies remaining true to Cord’s own personal artistic vision. His company employs over 150 full time employees to carve, cast, file, solder, granulate, clean, finish and polish Cord’s creations, In 1998, it has been said that the company generated 50million in annual sales and, today, continues to utilize old-world craftsmanship along with an intimate atmosphere of a family business producing jewelry for the US and the international market. Cord alone, inspects each work in progress and has the final say on workmanship and designer pieces of jewelry. He explores any and all design possibilities. The Barry Kieselstein-Cord company’s headquarters and studio occupies a floor in a large building in the center of the garment district in New York (119 W. 40th St., New York, NY) which is only a short distance from Cord’s walk-up apartment where he started his business 27 years ago. The company also has a showroom in Dallas, and boutiques in Aspen, Palm Beach, Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Zurich, two in Las Vegas and one in Milan, Paris, and Moscow. His higher priced jewelry pieces are also sold at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman Inc., and Saks Fifth Ave. department stores throughout the US.

Cord has been a premier luxury designer and artist. He creates extraordinary jewelry and accessories. His designs include primarily silver jewelry, gator jewelry along with other fashion accessories, handbags, eyewear, luggage, belts, watches, gloves, small leather goods and home furnishings, and these collections are available for purchase throughout the US and Europe. Prices for his design items range from $200 and upward. It is said that Barry Kieselstein-Cord creates pieces of jewelry that are subtle, beautifully made, and are a wearable art. They do not have a huge amount of precious gemstones but are sought after for their workmanship and designs pleasing to the eye. Unlike some of the other big-name jewelry designer, Cord’s company is known to insiders only for he avoids overexposure. Cord is a private person, does not give out willingly information on himself, his company and his designs.

Cord’s name, at birth was Barry Kieselstein, then changed to Barry Kieselstein-Cord (Cord being part of his mother’s name) with the Kieselstein name known widely because of his designs of mythical creatures with unique finishes and his use of green and yellow, silver and platinum along with his whimsical motifs that include ducks, alligators, toads, dogs of all breeds, bats, and the famous T-rex series. His Women of the World collection features famous women throughout history carved in relief on bracelets, necklaces, rings, pendants, and earrings. Each pieces of jewelry that Cord meticulously designs and produces is signed, dated, and copyrighted in his studio. Mark: Embedded in the metal: ”C in a circle for copyright, B Kieselstein Cord, date, moon and star symbols, 925”, or “C in a circle for copyright, BKC, date, moon and star symbols, 925” or “C in a circle for copyright, Barry Kieselstein Cord, date, moon and star symbols, 14K”, or “C in a circle for copyright, B Kieselstein Cord, date, moon and star symbols, 18K or 750”, or “C in a circle, BARRY CORD FOR KIESELSTEIN CORD , moon and star symbol, 925 14K and date”.

QVC.com, on the internet and QVC TV Network is selling some of Barry Cord’s jewelry designs (it is a name he is hoping to also become recognized by). His sterling silver pieces of jewelry sold here include the Kieselstein Cord Sport Collection jewelry line that includes, sterling silver designs of rings, pendants, cuffs, bracelets, necklaces and earrings with frogs, alligators, flowers, Aesop‘s Fables (the tortoise and the Hare), fresh-water-pearls etc. The Cow Girl Museum Collection and Hall of Fame, in Fort Worth, TX is another of his jewelry design lines with super southwestern flair. QVC has listed a black leather stopwatch, earrings, ring, and pendant of a Cow Girl etc. Mark: Embedded in the metal, “C in a circle for copyright B Kieselstein Cord, date, moon and star symbol, 925”, or “C in a circle for copyright, B Kieselstein Cord Sport Collection, moon and star symbol, 14K/925”, with “made in Thailand” also on some of these jewelry pieces on QVC.

Barry Cord’s daughter is BKC’s spokeswoman for the collection of sport jewelry on QVC. The company, Barry Kieselstein-Cord, under the direction of Barry, is designing and manufacturing fine jewelry and costume jewelry pieces who’s prices are from less than $100 to a high of thousands of dollars (5 digits) depending on the metal content, Sterling Silver, 14K, 18K and platinum, gemstone/diamond, and the extraordinary design. Barry Cord Kieselstein Cord Store, as he now wants it to be listed as, has stated the following: “Artists have to be impressionable, they have to translate feeling into three dimensional shape and form in a way that hasn’t been done before.” His designs are embraced as high fashion and his earlier pieces are sought after by collectors. Barry Kieselstein Cord has won several fashion designer awards and his creations are part of the collections of the Louvre in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston.
 

BASTIAN JEWELRY: 1895 - Present

The Bastian Company was founded in Rochester, NY in 1895 and was incorporated as the Bastian Brothers Company initiating operating as a jewelry store that was recognized for its quality, craftsmanship and integrity in the production of emblematic jewelry , lapel pins, medallions, belt buckles, paper weighs, paperweights, security-police-firemen badges and insignias, automotive decorative emblems, class and fraternity jewelry, novelties, rings, bar pins scarf pins and earrings. The company became a Union Shop and expanded its sales and marketing efforts to cover distributors in the entire U.S. and today, also has numerous distributors outside the U.S. including Canada.

The Bastian jewelry company, instills in their employees the need for high standards and quality craftsmanship demanding, in each step of the production of a product, from the die cutter, enameling, polishing, finishing and plating procedures, that their employees build integrity and quality into the products produced. Mark: “backward B and forward B (1909-1943)”,“B.B. CO”, and “Bastian 10K”

The Bastian Bros. Co. publishes the following catalogs: Bastian Bros. Co. Catalogs, School Insignia Catalogs, and Jewelry New York (State) Rochester Catalogs. Their internet site indicates that the products are available through distributors. The Bastian Co. has listed their products as: badges, buckles, coasters, coins, key tags, Holiday ornaments, custom lapel pins, patriotic lapel pins, medallions, security ID badge lapel pins, pin holders, stock firefighter theme products and stock union theme products. The company has acquired CRDL Inc., a company that invented and patented magnetic sculptures and today offers more than 300 designs in that product line. The Bastian Brothers Company is still in business in 2007.
 

BEAU OR BEAUCRAFT: 1947 - September 2004

Beaucraft Inc. began operations and produced “Beau” and “Beaucraft” jewelry in Providence, RI from 1947. The company was one of the leading producers of beautiful and unique fine sterling silver jewelry ever made for over half a century. The jewelry designs had originality, versatility, and impeccable craftsmanship. Vintage Beaucraft jewelry pieces are now considered highly collectible and in the same class of jewelry as Coro. Their latest designs took on a new approach by contrasting brushed and high polished sterling silver finishes, creating a completely original look that combines classic style with modern fashion. The jewelry designs include fish and seahorses in sterling silver metal. Mark: “Beaucraft” (In Sterling), “Beau B Sterling”, “B” with “Ster” or “Sterling”, and “Beau Sterling”. Beaucraft also made 14k jewelry.
In September 2004, after 57 years in the business, Beaucraft Inc. retired from the jewelry business and the entire inventory was put on the auction block with Amsco Ltd. purchasing the bulk of its inventory that is being offered to the public at “well-below-discount prices“, “OVER THREE QUARTERS OF A MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF FINE BEAUCRAFT STERLING SILVER JEWELRY“. Check the internet: AmscoOnline.com, the Amsco on-line retail store for NEW discount jewelry of Beaucraft. Amsco Ltd., for more than twenty years, has been supplying quality jewelry to the wholesale jewelry and catalog industry and are now able to offer this merchandise, as well as other discount merchandise, direct to the public at a fraction of the cost found elsewhere. Other jewelry for sale includes: Charter Club, One of a Kind (and Salesman’s Samples used to display merchandise to the buyers at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, and Saks Fifth Ave.), Religious, Nature, Awareness, Semi-Precious, Hearts, Angels, Holiday, and Patriotic.

BELLINI FOR FORMART: 1960s - 1970s, and Presently

Bellini jewelry was produced by the Formart Corporation located at 39 W. 38th St., New York City. The company designed excellent quality fashion jewelry during the 1960s and 1970s of gold-tone, silver-tone, and rhodium plated metals encrusted and set pave style in clear, aqua, pink sapphire and amethyst color unfoiled glass stones, clear and color rhinestones, and simulated pearls producing earrings, pins, necklaces, and bracelets. Bellini jewelry had the look of Eisenberg or Weiss in design. The Bellini jewelry was and is sold in department stores, specialty stores, boutiques, and mass merchants with pricing moderate to better.

Today, the Formart Corporation is still in business, at its same location in NY producing Bellini Collections of jewelry along with other merchandise lines to include watches, sunglasses, pill boxes, picture frames, candles, gift items, hair ornaments, handbags, sportswear, and hair wear including hats and caps. Mark: “BELLINI”, “BELLINI BY FORMART”, and “BELLINI COLLECTIONS”.

BEN-AMUN: 1977 - Present

The Ben-Amun jewelry is designed and created by Isaac Manevitz, a native Egyptian, and the son of a fabled jeweler for Egypt’s royal family. The Ben-Amun Company is named after the designer’s eldest son (Ben) and the King of Egypt whose name was Tutankhamun (Amun).

Isaac Manevitz has been designing jewelry for over 30 years and his showroom, which is now open to the public, is located adjacent to the Manhattan factory in which all of the Ben-Amun creations are put together under the watchful eye of its creator.

Manevitz’s Ben-Amun jewelry designs incorporate the working with fine, unusual materials creating original and unique designs in earrings, bracelets (including charm), necklaces, pins and belts. The materials used include base metals of 14k and 24k gold plating, silver, brass and pewter plating, Italian resin stones and beads, Lucite, glass beads, stones and pearls, Swarovski and Austrian crystals, semi precious stones including moonstones and coral, and wood fabric wrap, with the final touch of hand painted enamel. Manevitz’s designs have established a tradition of creating distinctive jewelry that combines an unexpected mix of the finest materials that are favorite among discriminating women of all ages. Mark: Ben-Amun.

Ben-Amun is classified as high end jewelry that can be seen at Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom’s. and can also be found in magazines including Cosmopolitan, Flare, People, Inside, Fashion, Vogue, Bazaar, Glamour and Latino to name a few. The jewelry is a favorite on the runway for the designer Isaac Manevitz has worked with numerous designers, including Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Ralph Lauren to accessorize fashion shows each season.

You will find 2 internet sites: Ben-Amun Jewelry by Isaac Manevitz and Ben-Amun Jewelry to view his jewelry collections and to also make an appointment to visit the showroom in Manhattan.
 

Bergere jewelry was produced by L. Erbert & Pohls Inc. NY in 1947. The high-quality designed jewelry produced consisted of necklaces, bracelets, pins, clips and earrings containing faux pearls and stones on gold plated, rhodium, and brass metals. The jewelry was sold in stores such as Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, and Marshall Fields. Mark: "bergere" with a dash above the 2^nd e of the name in 1947 and "Bergere" in script. The company ceased operations in 1979.

The E.A. Bliss Company NY of 1878 became Bliss/Napier in 1915. Mark "M. Co. inside a large "B" on jewelry in 1908.

Fred A. Block jewelry was made in the 1940s with enamels, gold metals , clear plastics and rhinestones. Mark: "FRED A. BLOCK JEWELRY" on a rectangle plate. The Fred A. Block company is also known to have produced a limited amount of jelly belly type jewelry pins. The company ceased operations in 1949.

BOB MACKIE: 2000 - Present

Bob Mackie was born Robert Gordon Mackie in 1940 in Monterey Park, CA and was educated at the Chouinard Art Institute in fashion designing. After graduation, he worked for Jean Louis as a member of the famed Edith Head design team. He began creating dresses and gowns for Carol Burnett on her TV Show and Diana Ross on Broadway.

Bob Mackie, in 1982 launched his own first ready-to-wear collection of women‘s clothing and started building his reputation by dressing some of the most famous stars in entertainment, Cher, Madonna, and Bette Midler in gowns and dresses.

In the 1980, Bob Mackie added a line of jewelry that was produced by Marjorie Brandt & Company NY under a license agreement with the design work done by David Salvatore. His costume jewelry is made up of aurora borealis, clear rhinestones and crystals, colored beads that are set into silvertone and goldtone metal base. The designs and all styles of Mackie jewelry is approved by Bob Mackie. He also designed and manufactured knitwear, eveningwear, suits, a fragrance, handbags, scarves, watches and stationery under his name. In 1990, Mackie began designing for Mattel, the Barbie doll, under his name and continued this tradition, again, this year in 2005. In 1999, he launched his career in costume design, with his made-to-order couture collection. Besides Mackie’s costume jewelry, David Salvatore designs and creates accessories including sun glasses, hair accessories and small leather goods that are sold in department stores and freestanding Salvatore stores. Mark: “Bob Mackie” in script.

Bob Mackie, through the Marjorie Brandt & Company NY, is planning in August to come out with a new fashion jewelry collection. Mackie’s originally designed dresses costing $12,000 and expensive gown selling upwards to $100,000 dressing Cher, Carol Burnett, Angela Lansbury, Madonna, Barbra Streisand and Barbie. Not everyone could afford the price tags, therefore, Mackie has now developed an affordable, ready-to-wear line that includes jewelry, eyewear, watches, scarfs, and menswear items that puts the items in the affordable luxury category, for those who want stylish items at a price they can afford. His costume jewelry and other accessories are sold on the internet QVC.com and on the QVC TV Network Show which indicates that his items listed for sale are made in Thailand or China or the Czech Republic.

BOGOFF: 1946 - 1970s

Henry Bogoff, the designer, emigrated from Warsaw, Poland in 1908 and started the Bogoff Company of Chicago in 1946 after having worked for the Spear Novelty Company. Bogoff jewelry is elegant and fashionable in design, with sophisticated lines, that demonstrates fine workmanship and imitates fine jewelry. The jewelry was made in limited quantities, heavily and very well constructed with above average Swarovski clear and colored rhinestones, molded glass stones and faux pearls set in precious metals of rhodium and silver and gold plated. Mark: "Jewels of BOGOFF" and "BOGOFF". The jewelry was sold at affluent stores. The company also designed jewelry for other companies including Sears & Roebuck, Zales, Marshall Fields, and Saks 5^th Ave. It is said that they designed jewelry for the elegant lady who was on a budget. Bogoff jewelry was made in small quantities. The Bogoff Company went out of business in the 1970s after approximately 24 years that presented the public with sophisticated lines of designs in costume jewelry featuring paved rhinestones and lovely pastel Swarovski quality rhinestones. Collectors favor colored rhinestones for necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The pins are not as widely sought after.

Marcel Boucher, a jewelry designer, established the Marcel Boucher and Cie Company NY in 1937 where he produced creative and imaginative designed metalwork jewelry with high quality rhinestones. He was born in France and trained as an apprentice to Cartier in France and emigrated to the U.S. in the early 1920s. During the early 1930s, he designed jewelry for the Mazer Brothers in New York. Gold plating enamel was used with 3-dimensional designs using the 4 precious stone colors on jewelry of exotic birds, insects, and flowers that were also marked the design numbers of 3 or 4 digits into the astermolds. Imitation diamond (beautiful rhinestones), ruby, sapphire and emerald stones, and simulated pearls were used in the jewelry. Most Boucher jewelry is signed in metal. Mark: "Marboux with a copyright symbol" in 1938 - 1960s, "MB with a helmet icon" in 1940, and "Boucher with a copyright symbol with most jewelry pieces also containing a number" in 1950, ""EARRITE" for earrings since 1950, and later, his own name "Marcel Boucher". Boucher’s jewelry reflects the classical tradition with excellent metalwork, highly creative and imaginative designs using excellent rhinestones resembling gemstones that can be mistaken for the real thing. Marcel died in 1966 and was succeeded by his wife Sandra, who previously had worked for Tiffany, and, who had been working with him as a designer, took over the operation of the company that was now located in East Toronto, Canada. It is said that Marcel Boucher was possibly the greatest designer and producer of costume jewelry in America in the 1930s through 1971 and his jewelry pieces are prized for their baguettes and exciting colored stones. Boucher’s jewelry pieces have maintained excellent quality and workmanship. The 1940 Parisianna Mexican Silver jewelry line is highly prized and sought after by collectors. Also very collectible is the jewelry group of "Exotic Birds". In 1979, the company was sold to D’Orlan Industries of Toronto, Canada. The workmanship and details on the jewelry now being produced from the Boucher molds by D’Orlan is of high quality but does not measure up to the older pieces produced by Marcel Boucher. The jewelry pieces have a design inventory number and are now signed "d’Orlan".

BRIGHTON: 1966 - Present

The Brighton product line is a division of Leegin Creative Leather Products that was founded in 1966 by Lee and Ginny Leegin of California. In its infancy of 1966, the business operated out of a warehouse in Redondo Beach and produced leather belts, hand bags, and sandals.

In 1972, Jerry Kohl took over the company introducing many new designs in leather consisting of western belts, unique fashions, cowhide belts, hat bands etc. and the Brighton line was formed.

Only 2 years later, the Brighton line branched out and produced jewelry, footwear, eyewear, watches, and accessories and foods for the home and is now carrying wallets, sunglasses, lipstick and fragrances. The collection also included men’s belts, wallets, watches and other leather accessories along with women’s jewelry of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, brooches/pins and ankle bracelets.

Brighton jewelry is designed mostly of silver metal that is etched or embedded with circular, oval and oblong shaped links and hearts, some faceted Swarovski crystals, imitation stones of bright colors of turquoise blue, lavender purple, hot pink, orange, green and amber accents or enamel charm links in bright colors of hearts, flowers, leaves, and swirls.

Brighton collections are all a unique original design and accessories lines coordinate to create a match. It now employs more than 600 people in a technologically advanced plant with components for some of the products manufactured in the countries of France, Italy, Spain, China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. Their products are available in nearly 6,000 specialty stores nationwide and 50 All-Brighton stores from coast to coast. Jerry Kohl, president and owner of Brighton’s and Leegin Creative Leather Products requires stores carrying their product lines to offer excellent customer service.

Today, you can find over 150 Brighton outlets across the United States, and more than 6,000 stores in the U.S. sell Brighton products and serves customers worldwide. Brighton is known as an industry leader recognized for their innovative styling, outstanding workmanship and the use of high-quality materials. The Brighton company designers are constantly on the lookout for new inspirations. It continues to surprise industry insiders with its uniquely ornamented bags, exotic leathers, and solid products. It has also helped its parent company, Leegin, grow to a large size that employs more than 500 people. Brighton marks: “B” logo for the Brighton signature at the closure, heart shaped lobster claw clasp and tiny “B” in the heart on the end of a necklace, bracelet, earrings, pendants, and brooches/pins. Brighton is still in business today in 2006.
 

The initials BSK stand for the owners: B for Benny Steinberg, S for Hy Sloritt and K for a Mr. Kaslo. The New York jewelry company was in business approximately from 1946 to the early 1970s. The jewelry is of average quality, some with interesting and original designs with gold plating, seed pearls and rhinestones. Mark: B.S.K. with a copyright symbol". BSK jewelry is not rare. We are seeing an abundance of it on the market. It normally sells at low to middle price ranges. The company ceased operations in the early 1970s. Very little is known about the company.

BUTLER & WILSON: Early 1970’s - Present

In the early 1970’s, two British Antique jewelers and designers, Nicky Butler and Simon Wilson, established a partnership and company called Butler & Wilson. Both of these men began as Antique Dealers in jewelry. Nicky Butler and Simon Wilson headed the British Costume Jewelry Design House at first collecting elegant jewelry, and, then designed and produced their own costume jewelry pieces made up of Austrian rhinestones and crystals, gemstones, and pearls which were prong set, crystals tight in place into base gun metal, rhodium, polished gold plated and silver plated metals. The jewelry designed and produced by Butler and Wilson became sought after because of its global flair that had a decidedly multi-cultural feel combining multiple gemstones, rhinestones, crystals , faceted beads, and pearls with antique-style settings and other unique finishes. Their jewelry designs have made them famous for they have many jewelry pieces acquired by the rich and famous, desired by the London social elite, sought after by Parisian couture designers, and now has captured the hearts of Americans. Marked: “B & W”. The partnership broke up in the 1990’s with Simon Wilson retaining the Butler and Wilson name. Since that time, Nicky Butler , under his own name, has designed and manufactured costume jewelry.

Wilson and Butler were world leading designers that added magical touch to a whole new range of hand whimsical animals to beautiful jewelry that has also encrusted evening bags and belts using semi-precious stones, rose quartz, agates, turquoise, opals, pearls, Austrian rhinestones and crystals. Their jewelry has glamour and glitz which is very much in vogue, is of vintage couture, modern Oriental, and Indian designs that provides the inspiration for fashionable jewelry collections. It mixes traditional and modern creating individual and original styles. Butler and Wilson stormed the fashion world in the 1980’s by creating costume jewelry that helped put fashion jewelry back in demand at a reasonable price.

Co-founder, Simon Wilson mixes the traditional and modern in order to create an individual, original style to his jewelry designs. Marked: “B & W” after the original founders, Nicky Butler and Simon Wilson. Today, Butler & Wilson has two prestigious stores located in London, England providing fabulous collections of jewelry, accessories, and apparel including bracelets, earrings, brooches/pins, necklaces, hair clips, bags, wallets, watches, charm bracelets, and bridal gift ideas. The Butler and Wilson establishment sells items on their own internet website, “Butler & Wilson“, and they also sell their creations on the internet - “QVC“. QVC has indicated that “they are proud to showcase their sultry, sexy, pieces, which comes to us straight from the pulsing heart of London’s West End”.

 BUTLER, NICKY: 1960’s - Present

Nicky Butler began his trade as an Antique Dealer in Jewelry in the late 1960’s. In the early 1970’s, he went into partnership with Simon Wilson in London, calling their jewelry establishment Butler & Wilson. Nicky Butler and Simon Wilson headed the British Costume Jewelry Design House at first collecting elegant jewelry, and, then designed and produced their own costume jewelry pieces made up of Austrian rhinestones and crystals, gemstones, and pearls which were prong set, crystals tight in place into base gun metal, rhodium, polished gold plated and silver plated metals. The jewelry designed and produced by Butler and Wilson became sought after because of its global flair that had a decidedly multi-cultural feel combining multiple gemstones, rhinestones, crystals , faceted beads, and pearls with antique-style settings and other unique finishes. Their jewelry designs have made them famous for they have many jewelry pieces acquired by the rich and famous, desired by the London social elite, sought after by Parisian couture designers, and now has captured the hearts of Americans. Marked: “B & W”. The Butler and Wilson partnership broke up in the 1990’s with Simon Wilson retaining the Butler & Wilson name. Today, Butler & Wilson has two prestigious stores in London, England selling bracelets, earrings, brooches/pins, necklaces, hair clips, bags, wallets, watches, charm bracelets, and bridal gift ideas.

Through the years, Nicky Butler has created costume jewelry collections for top fashion designers including Georgio Armani and Yves St. Laurent and has also provided jewelry pieces for the late Diane, Princess of Wales. Nicky Butler’s jewelry designs are now famous throughout the world. His jewelry designs and creations, through the years, have been acquired by the rich and famous, desired by the London social elite, sought after by Parisian couture designers and has captured the hearts of Americans.

Since the 1990’s, and under his own name, Nicky Butler, has designed and manufactured costume jewelry of sterling silver, gold tone and silver tone metals with crystals and gemstones that are bezel or prong set in metal. His jewelry, pendants, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pins/brooches, chains, and rings has a global flair that has a decidedly multi-cultural feel combining multiple gemstones with antique-style settings and other unique finishes, for a look that is hard to duplicate let alone hard to find anywhere else.

In 2005, you will find many of his jewelry pieces sold exclusively on the internet - HSN. Other jewelry pieces are being auctioned on eBay. His costume jewelry pieces are marked: “Nicky Butler“, “N.B.” or “Nicky Butler in a circle with the N& B letters transposed (on top of each other) in the center of the circle”, “Nicky Butler. ..Made in France“, “Made in England ..NB“, “925 India NB“. Nicky Butler’s jewelry designs are now famous throughout the world.

C & H Co. stands for the Chapin & Hollister Company that was founded by William P. Chapin and Frederick R. Hollister in 1898, Providence, RI. The company produced gold and silver chains, cutlery and jewelry and ceased operations in 1923.

Cadoro Inc. NY was founded by Actor Steve Brody and Dan Staneskieu in 1945. The jewelry was custom designed, highly fashionable, hand crafted using brush-gold toned and silver toned metals, beautiful rhinestones and glass crystals from all over the world, seed pearls and stones from the ocean depths. The stones were prong set like a set of dog’s teeth that firmly griped the stones. The jewelry made included 3-dimensional fish, animals and Russian inspired jewelry made in brushed goldtone metal. Mark: "CADORO", and "CADORO with a copyright symbol" 1955 - 1980s. Dan died in the 1960s and the company ceased operations in 1970. Cadoro jewelry is rare and hard to find.

Mark: "Capri" in script with a copyright symbol" 1950-1977

CARL-ART: 1937 - Late 1980’s

The Carl-Art Inc. company was founded in Providence, RI in 1937 producing jewelry with Sterling Silver and Gold Filled metal base. Their jewelry lines included necklaces and Sautoir (a long, free flowing necklace choker), watch, key and vest chains, Waldemar and Serpentine chains, earrings (screw back), charms, brooches, pendants, and crosses. Most of the Carl-Art jewelry pieces are small sterling silver pieces and novelty items and 14K gold chains and charms. In their jewelry, Carl-Art used faceted clear and colored crystals and rhinestones, cultured pearls, faux moonstones, amethyst, garnet, hematite, and turquoise stones that were bezel or prong set in the sterling silver and gold filled metal base. Mark: Sterling Silver, CA with an arrow going through the letters”, “Sterling Silver in 12K Gold, Pat.#, CA with an arrow going through the letters”, “14K, CA with an arrow going through the letters”, “1/20 12K GF, CA with an arrow going through the letters”, and “Sterling Silver plated in 12K Gold, Pat.#, CA with an arrow going through the letters”. The company ceased operations in the late 1980’s.

CARNEGIE, HATTIE: 1900s - 1970s

Hattie Carnegie (original last name was Kanengeister) was born in Vienna, Austria in 1886 and emigrated to the U.S.A. with her family at the age of 6. In the early 1900's, she and Rose Roth opened several dress and hat shops in New York City. She designed the hats while Roth sewed the dresses. Her success in retail led to her founding her own company, Hattie Carnegie, Inc., whereby, the company designed and manufactured the jewelry that complimented the dresses.

Carnegie's jewelry designs were her own creations; she did not copy the fine jewelry trends appearing on the market, and her jewelry was always expensive. The movie star Joan Crawford bought and wore much of the Carnegie jewelry. The jewelry consisted of flux pearls, plastic stones and beads, rhinestones and other materials with enamel and gold plated and silver plated metals. Her designs were classified as whimsical and included Oriental pieces, tremblers or noddlers, and figurals which are highly collectible. Other designers working for Hattie Carnegie include Norman Norell, Peggy Tregere, and Claire Mc Cardell. Mark: "HC’ or "HAC" in a diamond or "Carnegie", or "Hattie Carnegie". The Carnegie company was sold to Larry Josephs after her death in 1956 and closed in the 1970s.

Carolee Friedlander, a trained architect and now President and CEO of Carolee Designs, Inc., Greenwich, CT founded her Carolee line of costume jewelry in 1972. It was a kitchen hobby enterprise with the starting to bead necklaces to nurture her creativity. Before long, she was casting pewter designs and using flea market glass stones and beads. A Connecticut factory site eventually came to pass that employed 300 people. The company is now an international recognized jewelry and accessories design company. Carolee is considered a trendsetter in both design and marketing in costume jewelry and fashion accessories. Designs for the Duke of Windsor for his wife was called Carolee’s Estate Collection, "Duchess of Windsor". The jewelry consists of simulated onyx, emerald, ruby, lapis etc. stones, clear and colored rhinestones, simulated white and colored pearls in gold plated and silvertone base metals. Her jewelry can be an added accessory on a dress. She also designs Fun Jewelry that can be worn during the day and for night time. Mark: "Duchess of Windsor", "CAROLEE with a copyright symbol". The jewelry pieces are highly sought after. Carolee Friedlander supports Breast Cancer Research and has designed a sterling silver charm with words: Faith, Hope, & Courage on the inside of the charm that can be worn on pearls, silver chains or leather. Carolee jewelry is sold through fine department and specialty stores. The company is still in business and the jewelry is manufactured in over 20 countries including the USA, China, Korea and the United Kingdom.