Signed DCE Curtis costume jewelry

Curtis costume jewelry
Known since 1936, Providence Rhode Island company Curtis Jewelry Mfg Co produced high quality jewelry. These were silver and gilded ornaments with semiprecious stones and ivory – brooches, clips, and necklaces. However, the history of Curtis is inextricably linked with another Providence company, Uncas Manufacturing Co., part of which it became in 1936.

As for Uncas Manufacturing Co., its owner was Vincent Sorrentino (1892-1976), an Italian immigrant who came to America in the early 20th century. He first registered the Sorrento company in 1911 in Providence, Rhode Island. Of course, the earliest Sorrento jewelry is difficult to find now and they are a collectible rarity. Then, in the early 1920s, Vincent Sorrentino renamed Sorrento into Uncas Manufacturing Co. Uncas jewelry was popular for its variety, exquisite design and high quality.

Along with the above-mentioned Curtis jewelry manufacturing co, the Curtman Co Inc (active since 1941) also joined the Uncas Manufacturing Co. In addition, Uncas Manufacturing Co. acquired the company Vargas MFG together with its building in 1996. Interestingly, the Sorrentino family still continues the jewelry business.
Noteworthy, the letters DCE that appeared in 1950 refer to Curtis Jewelry Mfg Co.

American vintage – Curtis costume jewelry